Melbourne Water, the government-owned statutory authority managing the city’s water systems, has announced it has taken delivery of two electric Nissan Leaf hatchbacks in part of the company’s drive to a zero emissions fleet within 10 years, part of the company’s larger goal of becoming fully carbon neutral by 2030.
Melbourne Water announced on Tuesday that it had not only taken delivery of two electric Nissan Leaf hatchbacks, but that it had another on order and had signalled the purchase of two more electric vehicles by the end of the year.
The cars are integral to delivering Melbourne Water’s Zero Emission Fleet Strategy.
“The support from Melbourne Water staff has been fantastic and everyone from the Melbourne Water Board to our Field Crew members are keen to be involved in the ongoing project,” explained Melbourne Water Fleet Specialist Shane Mannix, who said that the feedback from drivers has been “overwhelmingly positive” and that the vehicles are being used every day.
“We have 10 charging ports installed across Melbourne Water sites with more to be added,” Mannix added.
The announcement follows February 2018’s delivery of Melbourne Water’s first two Renault Zoe electric passenger vehicles.
“From today, Melbourne Water will no longer purchase any additional combustion engine vehicles where a zero emissions electric vehicle alternative is available,” said Procurement Manager Rod Clifford back in February of 2018. “By 2023 all our passenger vehicles will be zero emissions closely followed all our light commercial vehicles, all at no additional cost to the community we serve.”
Melbourne Water has committed to no longer purchasing any additional combustion engine vehicles where a zero-emission alternative is available – a first for any Australian water authority.
“Electric only utility vehicles are not yet available, but they are coming,” said Mannix. “We are excited to purchase these from 2022/3 and we expect Melbourne Water will be one of the first companies to order dual cab utilities in Australia.
“Currently petrol and diesel utilities make up two thirds of our fleet.”
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