Northern Queensland is expanding its horizons, with new and renewable opportunities in electric vehicle fleets.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Reef Authority) is not only making waves in marine conservation but also in the realm of sustainable transportation.
As one of Australia’s first public sector departments to fully embrace an electric vehicle (EV) fleet, the Reef Authority is setting a precedent for government entities across the nation.
In an exclusive interview with Reef Authority Business Operations Director, Sascha Thyer, ecogeneration gained insights into the general use experience, advantages, disadvantages, and recommendations for EV fleet adoption.
Adapting to electric vehicles in the vast and diverse landscapes of North Queensland has proven to be a unique journey for the Reef Authority.
Thyer said that it was very exciting to move to low emissions vehicles to align with the Reef Authority values to protect the environment and lower emissions. As with all new initiatives, change management that fosters understanding and addresses any operational concerns was crucial to a smooth transition, and consideration of the varied reactions among drivers.
Last year, the Albanese Government unveiled its ‘Net Zero in Government Operations Strategy’, fulfilling an election pledge to achieve net-zero emissions for the Australian Public Service (APS) by 2030.
In alignment with this commitment, the Reef Authority made a forward-looking shift towards sustainability by fully embracing EVs for its fleet. The organisation carefully selected available and suitable EV brands, through a whole of government procurement, prioritising an extended range, marking the inaugural phase of its eco-friendly transition.
According to Thyer, one of the standout advantages noticed is the remarkably low maintenance required for EVs and simplicity of operation. These vehicles demonstrate a stark contrast to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, as they rarely encounter the mechanical issues commonly associated with traditional counterparts.
“There’s a significant reduction in the need for maintenance, with scheduled service appointments often set a year or more in advance,” Thyer said.
This approach has not only enhanced day-to-day operations but also in time and resource savings over the life of the vehicle.
Thyer further highlighted the generally positive satisfaction expressed by drivers once they adapt to EVs.
“As drivers become accustomed to the efficiency of EVs, they generally express high levels of satisfaction, and it’s just become normal. Many staff have commented that the cars a very straightforward to use and they have welcomed this change, knowing how important it is for the environment,” she said.
Despite the advantages, some challenges were faced, primarily related to charging infrastructure in the far north of Queensland. While the Reef Authority has successfully installed numerous fast chargers at its head office and regional offices, the scarcity of such infrastructure in regional Queensland poses challenges for operations and requires careful planning and time for charging.
According to Thyer, given the Reef Authority offices are in regional Queensland, drivers often find themselves consistently traveling for approximately five hours between sites, there can be limited opportunities for charging in some areas
“We’ve seen improvements in the fast-charging infrastructure in regional Queensland. While it’s not practical for all end-users to install them, there is still a desire for more fast chargers,” she said, pointing out that fast chargers are crucial for those traveling long distances with short breaks.
Thyer has made some observations from a personal perspective as an EV owner at home.
“The EV Superhighway was an amazing first step to EV charging in the north. Whilst most charging stations are very well placed and convenient, some charging stations may not have been designed with women in mind. As an EV owner and a woman, I’ve observed that some locations may not ideal for a woman travelling alone to charge her EV at night, and consideration of this in decision making for future installations may be beneficial,” Thyer said.
Thyer said some drivers did find nervousness when first getting to use EV, but most just showed a lot of interest and curiosity. To help new drivers Reef Authority Property Services unit played a crucial role, providing personalised attention and training for drivers.
For those unfamiliar with the distinctive features of EVs, a Property Services representative accompanied them, guiding and addressing concerns. Thyer added that their reactions varied from nervousness to no hesitancy at all, showcasing the need for tailored approaches to different vehicle models.
Thyer also addressed the necessity for government fleets to assess the cargo space and shape of available EV models.
“Cargo space holds significant importance for certain public service vehicles, yet some of current EVs are sedan-style, presenting limitations in terms of practicality for loading and unloading items,” she said.
In Thyer’s opinion, all those challenges above are real but can also be resolved through proper planning, engagement and consultation with staff, and charging limitations should resolve as more infrastructure is installed.
“It is fantastic to be part of the EV transition and being quick to take up low emissions transport in Reef Authority operations. Engagement is crucial for successful EV adoption, as it’s not just about real challenges but also perceived concerns,” Thyer said. “Proper engagement with staff is key; without it, troubles may arise and they need to be addressed.”
This article featured in the April edition of ecogeneration.
For more renewable and solar news, subscribe to ecogeneration.