Local councils in Melbourne’s west are set to accelerate their shift to electric vehicles (EVs), thanks to $2.2 million in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
The funds will support the Local Council BEV Integration Project, facilitating the deployment of 65 light battery electric vehicles (BEV) and seven heavy BEVs across three councils: Wyndham, Moonee Valley, and Brimbank.
The initiative, part of the councils’ decarbonisation efforts, includes installing essential charging infrastructure to support the growing fleet.
The project, valued at $8.9 million, aims to reduce transport emissions in line with Australia’s net zero targets by transitioning fleets to zero-emission alternatives.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller highlighted the broader impact of the project, emphasising the potential for local councils to lead in the clean energy transition.
“This project particularly highlights the intersection of clean energy, sustainability, innovation and the role local councils have in the clean energy transition,” Miller said.
“Local councils have been early movers in this space and, typically, their experiences reflect the challenges and barriers experienced by other industries and sectors.”
The Western Alliance for Greenhouse Action (WAGA), which includes the participating councils, will deploy the new EVs across waste management, park maintenance, and general travel, showcasing the adaptability of EVs for various operational needs.
The fleet currently exceeds 400 vehicles, offering a substantial testbed for the transition to zero-emission alternatives.
Over the next three years, the project will explore solutions to challenges like cost, technical issues, and day-to-day fleet operations, with the aim of making fleet electrification more accessible to other councils and sectors.
It will also assess charging infrastructure requirements and management strategies for electric vehicle operations, providing key insights for future expansion.
This initiative is part of a broader effort under the Australian Government’s Driving the Nation Fund, which was launched in 2022 to invest $500 million in cleaner transport, including EV charging and fleet decarbonisation.
The project is expected to conclude by June 2027.
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