Barwon Health is accelerating zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) take-up by switching to six battery electric cars for use by staff at the University Hospital Geelong.
Another six battery electric cars are planned to be provided for the organisation’s McKellar Centre by the end of the year.
Nurses, hospital staff and volunteers will use the Hyundai Kona Electric cars for outpatient work and meetings in the Geelong community as Victoria charges towards a state-wide net zero emissions target by 2050.
“We are participating in the ZEV program to reduce our carbon emissions from transport and to demonstrate Barwon Health’s environmental intentions to the community,” said Barwon Health Chief Executive, Frances Diver.
“The other benefits include familiarising and myth-busting environmental issues amongst staff and providing a supply of second-hand zero-emission vehicles to the market.”
The Victorian Government’s fleet conversion is backed by a $15 million investment to encourage uptake of 400 ZEVs and associated charging stations over two years.
To help spark community interest in the take-up of sustainable transport, the Government will make the ZEVs available for public purchase at the end of their lease.
Replacing existing petrol and diesel cars, the new Konas have a 480km range enabling staff to make long trips without the need to charge en route – the Barwon Health vehicles have dedicated charging stations at University Hospital Geelong.
The hospital is operated by Barwon Health – Victoria’s largest regional health care provider with 21 sites across the state.
Barwon Health has a target to reach zero fleet emissions by 2035. By December the new ZEVs will be powered via the Mount Gellibrand windfarm with the cars running on clean green electricity.
Victorian-based JET Charge is fast-tracking the government fleet’s transition as the contractor supplying and installing the charging infrastructure. The 7kW charging stations are manufactured in Victoria.
