Electric fleet reaches milestone
WM New Zealand (WMNZ), the country’s largest waste, resource recovery and environmental services provider, has achieved a significant milestone in green transportation.
That’s because its electric fleet has clocked up two million kilometres on the road.
The achievement marks a major step in the company’s journey to carbon neutrality by 2050.
It was recognised by Simeon Brown, the Minister for Transport, at an event last week showcasing the viability of EVs in heavy-duty applications.
WMNZ operates one of the largest electric-truck fleets in Australasia with 54 in service. Number 55 is expected by the end of 2024.
“This milestone represents not just a number, but a tangible reduction in our carbon footprint,” says managing director Evan Maehl, pictured above with Brown.
“It’s a significant step towards our goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 and a clear demonstration of our commitment to New Zealand’s sustainable future.”
The two million e-truck kilometres travelled means saving 1,412 tonnes of carbon-dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions from going into our atmosphere.
Jitesh Singh, head of fleet at WMNZ, says: “That’s a feat that puts our environmental impact into perspective.
“This reduction is comparable to the carbon absorbed by nearly 24,000 tree seedlings over a decade or eliminating emissions from a car driven for more than 5.6 million kilometres.”
The journey to this achievement began in 2016 when WMNZ launched its sustainability commitment.
Partnering with Netherlands-based EMOSS and later supported by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), the company established an EV innovation hub in Auckland in 2018 to convert trucks and upskill its team.
Ashley Davenport, WMNZ’s senior project engineer for EVs, says: “Our drivers, mechanics and engineers have embraced this technology, overcoming challenges and paving the way for sustainable transportation.
“We’re deeply grateful to EECA for its support, which has been crucial in making this journey possible.”
Richard Briggs, EECA’s group manager of delivery and partnerships, enthuses: “The electric-truck conversion facilities were one of the earlier projects we administered co-funding for.
“These not only allowed WM to build its own fully electric fleet, demonstrating what is possible for the sector and inspiring others to follow suit, but has also supported businesses in other sectors to make the switch to electric.”
