Aurecon’s journey toward fleet electrification didn’t start with a multi-million-dollar procurement plan or a suite of shiny new EVs in a company carpark. It started with a single Tesla parked at a dusty road construction site.
This moment – both symbolic and practical – kicked off a broader ambition to decarbonise Aurecon’s operations across energy, travel, and mobility. “We started our journey in 2021, targeting financial year 2025,” explained Rich Mitchell, Associate for Integrated Transport and Mobility at Aurecon, at the 2025 IPWEA Fleet Conference.. “But when supply chain delays hit, we had to pull that target forward and be more agile in our approach.”
Understanding the Real Fleet Needs
The team didn’t just replace petrol with electric. They dug into the details. Who uses which vehicle? Where do they go? Do they carry tools? Passengers? Fly frequently? “It’s not a like-for-like transition,” Rich said. “You need to break down the actual use case – number of passengers, luggage, the need for four-wheel drive or off-road capabilities – and decide if the vehicle is really needed or if another option like car share, taxis, or even e-bikes would do.”
They even developed an internal checklist to assess each use case – asking hard questions like: can we avoid replacing the vehicle altogether? Do we reduce fleet size? Could a simple two-wheel drive do the job?
Infrastructure Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
Charging infrastructure quickly emerged as a major hurdle. Aurecon leases all its buildings, so installing chargers required landlord negotiations – a process often slower than anticipated. Construction sites added another layer of complexity. Temporary and frequently relocated, these sites were ill-suited for fixed charging solutions.
Their workaround? Embrace simplicity. A 300km-per-day range became their benchmark. If a vehicle could be charged overnight on a standard 240-volt plug (a “granny charger”) and complete its daily duties, it passed the test.
“It’s not perfect,” Rich admitted, “but it works for a large portion of our use cases.”
Real-World Pilots and Honest Feedback
Rich’s team adopted a hands-on approach. They tested vehicles in real-world conditions: the Ford F-150 Lightning, ACE EV van, converted Land Rovers, and purpose-built EV Hilux conversions from companies like Roev and Mevco. Each came with pros and cons.
“Some were too powerful – we had to electronically restrict them. Others were too expensive or not suitable for off-road use,” he said. “But the key was to pilot them in actual field conditions – and let the users give feedback.”
One such pilot involved a LDV eTerron9 ute – the first in Australia – tested just before Christmas 2024. Despite minimal public charging infrastructure, the team managed by using 10-amp sockets at home and the office. “It worked surprisingly well,” said Rich, “but it reminded us how patchy the infrastructure still is, especially in regional areas like Townsville or Chinchilla.”
Conversions – More Complex Than Expected
Early on, Aurecon explored converting existing utes to electric. But conversions raised red flags around safety, warranty, and compliance. “You have to ask – do you really want to put your people in a converted vehicle with no manufacturer support?” Rich said.
While some companies are finding success with brand-new conversions, the cost differential is often only marginal compared to buying a purpose-built EV. And the risk – particularly in a risk-averse industry – often outweighs the benefits.
Challenging Perceptions and Making Trade-Offs
Many people in the business were skeptical. They cited range anxiety, long charging times, or questioned if EVs could tow equipment. Rich’s answer? Data and trials.
“We had one team drive a Tesla from Melbourne to Adelaide,” he said. “They planned their charging stops and made it easily. It’s about changing mindsets and planning ahead.”
Towing? “Yes, electric utes can tow,” said Rich. “You just have to know your energy needs and reduce your range expectations. That’s where real-world trials matter.”
Fire Risk – Perception vs Reality
Electric vehicle fires grab headlines. But Rich offered perspective: of the 24 million EVs globally, very few fires have occurred. “The greater fire risk is actually from poorly regulated e-scooters and e-bikes,” he noted. “Modern EVs are built to strict safety standards, and battery fires are rare.”
Aurecon’s risk analysis confirms that when managed appropriately, EVs don’t pose greater danger than ICE vehicles – and may actually reduce some operational risks like fuel handling.
Fleet Culture and Strategy Must Evolve
As Aurecon progresses on its electrification path, Rich emphasises the importance of continuous evaluation.
“What’s exciting is that we’ve already reduced our fleet size by questioning the need for vehicles in the first place,” he said. “That’s a win regardless of the powertrain.”
They also discovered that user experience matters. “Vehicles like the Kia Niro are simple, familiar and user-friendly – making them easier for staff to adopt,” Rich said.
Now, Aurecon’s focus is on tailoring vehicle types to each department’s needs, rolling out 7kW or 22kW chargers in key locations, and upskilling staff in EV management. Their telematics provider, Smartrak, plays a key role in this.
Key Takeaways for Other Fleet Managers
- Start with use cases, not vehicle types. Tailor your fleet to actual needs.
- Pilot, don’t assume. Real-world testing with user feedback is critical.
- Engage your landlords early if you don’t own your buildings.
- Keep charging simple. A standard power point and a 300km daily range can cover most needs.
- Reframe fire risks. Look at data, not headlines.
- Review your fleet size. Less is often more.
Aurecon’s experience shows that transitioning a fleet to electric is as much about people, data, and infrastructure as it is about vehicles. The journey isn’t always easy – but with the right strategy, it’s absolutely achievable.
Are you ready to start your own journey? Join us at the 2026 IPWEA Fleet Conference in Melbourne to hear more real-world case studies like this.
