DRIVING UP THE SUSTAINABILITY OF GOVERNMENT VEHICLE FLEETS
July 2019
The ACT Government’s electric vehicle fleet is set to grow in the coming years.
Photo credit: ACT Government.
Australia’s electricity generation mix is transitioning away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy, bringing down the carbon intensity of electricity. However, the carbon intensity of Australia’s transport sector is reducing at a much slower rate.
For governments to achieve their net zero emissions objectives, motor vehicle fleets owned by government agencies – particularly emergency services – will need to transition to low carbon alternatives. As a start, Ambulance services across Australia are prioritising the purchase of fuel-efficient vehicles.
The ACT Government is going further, by committing its directorates and agencies to ensure:
At least 50% of all newly leased ACT Government fleet passenger vehicles are zero emissions vehicles in 2019-20; and
All newly leased ACT Government passenger fleet vehicles are zero emissions vehicles from 2020–21.
This type of government procurement policy can also help shift the private sector, demonstrating the viability of new technology and driving broader sectoral change.
Find the case study on page 7 of Navigating a dynamic energy landscape: a briefing for government agencies.