Uniting NSW.ACT is expanding its electric vehicle infrastructure with 42 new EV chargers to be installed across 21 Residential Aged Care sites in NSW and the ACT.
The rollout, delivered in partnership with Origin Energy, is designed to support Uniting’s fleet electrification plans while also making charging more accessible for employees and residents.
Michael Mathias, Environmental Sustainability Manager at Uniting NSW.ACT, said the additional chargers would help address one of the common concerns around EV adoption.
“With the additional 42 chargers across 21 sites, it will provide comfort to those who are worried about where they can charge their electric cars and will enhance operational resilience by having charging stations near their place of work,” Mathias said.
For Fleet Managers and Sustainability Managers, the announcement highlights the importance of charging infrastructure as an early step in any fleet transition plan. Vehicle replacement alone will not deliver a successful EV program unless organisations also consider depot, workplace and destination charging requirements.
Uniting has already started the transition, with 12 EVs and 30 charging stations currently in place. The organisation says it has a clear plan to fully electrify its fleet over time.
Transport remains a material part of Uniting’s environmental footprint. In 2024, its vehicle fleet consumed 909 kilolitres of fuel, representing around 13% of total energy use and approximately 7.5% of total carbon emissions.
The new chargers will support Uniting’s broader sustainability goals, which include reducing carbon emissions across buildings, energy use and operations.
Alice Salomon, Head of Advocacy at Uniting NSW.ACT, said the program was part of the organisation’s commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2040.
“Uniting is committed to being carbon neutral by 2040 and electrifying our fleet is a fantastic opportunity to reduce emissions and support our staff and residents to make the switch to EVs,” Salomon said.
“The chargers will be available for use by both Uniting employees and residents, assisting to reduce range anxiety and support everyday travel.
“Each EV added to our fleet, along with chargers being installed, brings Uniting closer to our 2040 goal — reinforcing our commitment to care for people today while protecting the planet for future generations.”
The installations are scheduled to begin at the end of the month. Uniting is also planning an EV roadshow to answer employee questions and help build confidence in the transition.
For organisations planning to add EVs to their fleet, Uniting’s rollout shows why charging access, staff engagement and operational planning need to be considered alongside vehicle procurement. Fleet electrification is not just a sustainability project. It requires coordination between fleet, property, finance, operations and employees to ensure vehicles can be charged, used and managed effectively.
