City leads with purchase of electric cars

City of Newcastle has begun replacing its fleet of petrol-powered cars by purchasing two electric models engineered for better performance, efficiency and sustainability.

The Renault Kangoo (pictured below) and Hyundai Ioniq will replace existing fleet cars that were up for renewal and will be joined by similar makes and models in the next financial year.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Program Coordinator – City Innovation and Sustainability, Adam Clarke

City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the emerging fleet of new vehicles was just another example of the City’s increasing uptake of new, Smart City technology that will provide improved environmental outcomes.

“City of Newcastle recognises the great benefits of adopting new and emerging technology as we continue to make decisions to reduce our carbon footprint”, the Lord Mayor said.

“By announcing our intention to transition from petrol-powered vehicles to electric models, we are hoping other organisations and individuals will follow our lead. With large fleet purchases, Governments can play a key role in developing the second hand electric vehicle (EV) market and making EVs more affordable.

“The introduction of these and future vehicles into the City’s fleet, a new solar-farm at Summerhill, the existing solar already powering City-owned facilities and the imminent trial of our driverless vehicle, will help us reach our target to generate 30 per cent of electricity from renewable sources.”

The Hyundai Ioniq

Last year the City of Newcastle, in partnership with the NRMA, rolled out an Electric Vehicle Fast Charger Network station at Wallsend.

The Wallsend fast-charger enables electric vehicle journeys between Sydney and the Hunter region and is a vital step to unlocking Northern NSW for drivers of EVs..

The City of Newcastle is currently rolling out eight public charging stations at four sites across the CBD, and will install charge points for its own fleet at the City’s new administration office at 12 Stewart Avenue.