The Evolution Group has announced it is the first traffic management company in the world to commit to fully electrifying its fleet of light utility vehicles.
The company has entered into an exclusive partnership with Tembo, the electric vehicle subsidiary of sustainable energy solutions company VivoPower International PLC.
It will convert 500 existing and new vehicles to fully electric in Australia and New Zealand during the next five years.
Evolution’s first electrified traffic management vehicle will be approved and roadworthy in 2023.
“We have one of the largest fleets of vehicles for traffic management services across Australia and New Zealand, and being the first to commit fully to electrification of our vehicles will help to set new ecofriendly standards for the industry,” says Kerry Daly, non-executive chairman, Evolution.
“After a review of proposals and capabilities of different electric vehicle conversion companies, the independent board members of Evolution have selected Tembo on the basis of their global experience, capability to deliver, training and change management credentials, as well as the broader VivoPower sustainable energy solutions offering.”
In the first phase, 80 of Evolution’s traffic management vehicles will be fully electrified by Tembo, subject to commercial and technical on-road trials.
“It is a first for the repowering of an existing fleet in Australia and New Zealand, and a first for the traffic management sector,” says Gary Challinor, chief operating officer, VivoPower.
“We are looking forward to working closely with Evolution, not only to provide conversion EV powertrain kits, ruggedisation and customisation, but also to deliver training, change management and sustainable energy solutions.
“Tembo is currently in discussions with financiers for establishing assembly facilities in Australia and is considering southeast Queensland as a preferred location.”