The Auckland Council has announced it is reducing its vehicle fleet and is going green with the purchase of 10 new electric vehicles (EVs).
According to Mayor Phil Goff, the council is serious about reducing emissions and protecting the environment. Last year, it reduced the size of its vehicle fleet by 57 and replaced old petrol cars with electric vehicles.
“It is critical that the council show environmental leadership by reducing the size of our car fleet and progressively converting our vehicles to electric to meet the country’s carbon-emission targets,” Goff said. “Climate change is a defining issue of our time and transport accounts for around 40% of Auckland’s emissions.
“Reductions in the council’s fleet and the purchase of electric vehicles contributes to our commitment to reduce our carbon emissions under the Paris Accord of 2015.”
Auckland Council now has a total of 14 EVs – including the mayor’s. Its vehicle fleet currently numbers 790.
Head of operational services procurement said six vehicles will be based at Albert Street, two at Henderson and two at Orewa. Charging infrastructure will be available by August.
The council added it will continue to reduce the size of its fleet over the coming three years and will progressively add electric vehicles to replace ageing petrol cars.
