Murrindindi Shire Council’s first electric vehicle (EV) has hit the road, marking another step in the Council’s commitment to reducing emissions and the transition to a sustainable future.
Replacing an old petrol fleet car, the new vehicle will be available for Council staff to use for work purposes and for travelling to meetings around the Shire.
The Council says residents will have no trouble recognising the vehicle, with bright graphics proudly promoting its use of clean energy.
The vehicle will be charged at a Council-owned station in Alexandra, with renewable energy as Council purchases 100% renewable energy through the Victorian Energy Collaboration.
Council Sustainability, Assets and Emergency Management Portfolio Councillor, Karine Haslam says, “Council and the community are keen to take steps to combat climate change. We heard this from our community while we were developing our Council Plan 2021-2025 and 10-Year Community Vision.
“Council is committed to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2035 adapting our operations to climate change and supporting our community to act too.
“Our goals can only be achieved by changing the way we use and produce energy and we’re thrilled that an EV is now part of Council’s fleet.
“We understand there is some anxiety about EVs being practical for life in a rural area. However, Council’s new EV can travel up to 505 km and charges from 10% to 80% in just 45 minutes. Local charging infrastructure will only get better, so I’d really encourage residents to look at EVs as an option if you’re considering a new car.”
She said Council will continue to expand its EV fleet over time and advocate for more public and private EV charging infrastructure across the Shire.
Public chargers are available in Alexandra and Kinglake, and there are Tesla charging stations located in Yea.
Council provides an EV Charger Subsidy for local businesses through its Grants and Sponsorships Program. The Subsidy provides up to $2,000 for the purchase and installation of EV chargers for tourism accommodation premises.
