Ku-ring-gai Council has taken another significant step towards sustainable fleet operations with the recent introduction of Peugeot ePartner electric vans for its animal collection services. These fully electric vans are not only reducing emissions but also improving operational efficiency for the Council’s companion animal team. With a spacious cargo area modified for safe animal transport, the ePartner provides a practical solution while delivering lower running and maintenance costs compared to traditional diesel-powered vans.
As local governments look for ways to minimise their environmental impact, the adoption of electric vans for specialised roles like animal management is a clear demonstration of how EV technology can be integrated into essential community services.
The move to electric vans is part of Ku-ring-gai Council’s broader commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2040 or earlier. The Council has recognised that its fleet is the third-largest contributor to corporate greenhouse gas emissions, making electrification a key strategy in reducing its carbon footprint. Importantly, every electric vehicle (EV) in its fleet is powered by 100% renewable energy, ensuring that the transition to EVs genuinely contributes to a more sustainable future.
Ku-ring-gai Council operates a diverse fleet, which includes 130 passenger vehicles such as sedans, wagons, and SUVs, as well as 44 utilities, 38 trucks, 5 tractors, and 3 heavy machinery vehicles like excavators. The Council owns its fleet outright, including leaseback vehicles, which provides greater control over its transition to electric. This strategy has allowed for a phased approach to fleet electrification, with a focus on replacing passenger vehicles first before shifting attention to light commercial and heavy vehicles.
The Council’s journey into electric vehicles began in 2020 with the purchase of a Hyundai Ioniq EV sedan as a pool vehicle and two Renault Kangoo electric vans for the works depot staff. These vehicles continue to perform well, demonstrating the long-term viability of electric fleet operations. Since then, the Council has expanded its EV fleet to 14 fully electric vehicles, including 10 passenger cars, three electric vans, and one electric truck. Additionally, the fleet includes 11 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and 15 hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), all of which are passenger vehicles.
Transitioning heavy vehicles to electric presents a more complex challenge due to limited market options, but the Council is already seeing positive results from its first fully electric truck. With enough battery capacity for around three days of operation before requiring a recharge, the vehicle has proven both practical and efficient. Council staff have also reported a preference for the electric truck due to its quieter and smoother operation, making it a more comfortable vehicle to drive compared to diesel alternatives.
Charging infrastructure has been a critical component of the transition, ensuring that fleet vehicles are charged onsite, while leaseback vehicles rely on a combination of on-site, home, and public charging. The Council is also exploring ways to integrate solar energy into its charging network, using its own rooftop solar panels and tapping into surplus solar energy available on the grid during the middle of the day when wholesale energy prices are at their lowest.
The journey to electrification has not been without challenges, but the Council has found that many initial concerns are now resolving themselves as the EV market matures. The cost of EVs is gradually decreasing, making them a more viable alternative to petrol and diesel vehicles. At the same time, drivers and fleet staff are becoming more accustomed to EVs, and there is now a larger pool of electricians available to maintain and service charging infrastructure.
For other fleet managers considering the transition to EVs, Ku-ring-gai Council offers some key advice. Planning well in advance is crucial, particularly when it comes to charging infrastructure and vehicle suitability. Engaging stakeholders within the organisation helps address concerns and ensures staff feel comfortable with the shift to electric vehicles. Running small-scale pilot programs is another effective strategy, allowing drivers, fleet teams, and management to gain first-hand experience with EVs before committing to a larger rollout.
Looking ahead, the Council has a clear roadmap for further electrification. The first phase focuses on transitioning passenger vehicles to EVs, along with some light commercial vehicles as suitable models become available. Over the next three years, most passenger vehicles are expected to be replaced with electric alternatives, while light commercial vehicles will transition within five years. The longer-term goal is to begin converting heavy vehicles from 2028 onwards, once technology and infrastructure solutions for electric trucks become more viable. Charging infrastructure expansion will continue alongside vehicle replacement, ensuring that the fleet remains operationally efficient.
Ku-ring-gai Council’s proactive approach to electrification sets a strong example for other local governments. The integration of Peugeot ePartner electric vans for animal collection is a clear demonstration of how EVs can support critical community services while aligning with broader sustainability goals. By taking a structured and strategic approach, the Council is proving that the transition to a fully electric fleet is both achievable and beneficial, paving the way for a cleaner, greener future.
