Extra EVs for state sector

The government has announced plans to bolster its electric vehicle (EV) fleet by 375 vehicles as part of a $22.92 million investment into new decarbonisation initiatives.

New Zealand Police, a number of government departments and district health boards are among the organisations that will benefit from the co-funding as they electrify their fleets.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says the government fleet is moving to more electric and fuel-efficient vehicles in an effort to reduce carbon emissions over the coming decade.

She notes that while upfront costs for the cars were significant, there were long-term savings.

“Ultimately, an EV is better for your pocket and the environment,” she says.

Kainga Ora is the main beneficiary of the electrification push and will receive a total of $4.7m, along with investing $5.9m of its own money, to purchase 169 EVs and install charging infrastructure.

The Ministry of Social Development has been awarded $3.4m and will invest another $4.1m to buy 109 EVS, while the police fleet will gain an extra 45 low-emitting cars thanks to $1.7m in matched funding. Both organisations will also spend some of the cash on extra charging stations.

TVNZ receives $57,000 and will spend the same amount of its own money on EVs and charging infrastructure for two vehicles, while the Bay of Plenty, Capital & Coast, Wairarapa,

MidCentral and Southern DHBs will also invest in projects for such vehicles.

Other parts of the state sector to benefit from extra funding for EVs and charging facilities include the Department of Corrections, WorkSafe and Landcare Research.

Ardern, James Shaw, Minister of Climate Change, and Megan Woods, Minister of Energy and Resources, announced on May 6 that 19 new decarbonisation projects will be funded in the latest allocation from the government’s $220m State Sector Decarbonisation Fund.

Besides fleet electrification, other schemes to benefit include lighting upgrades, boiler replacements and heat recovery projects.