The City of Cockburn has purchased its first 100 per cent electric vehicle (EV), to help it maintain its Zero Emissions Fleet as part of its Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Strategy.
The Hyundai Ioniq features zero tailpipe emissions and the City is one of WA’s first local governments to purchase an EV in favour of petrol or diesel models for staff fleet use.
City of Cockburn Facilities and Plant Manager Ben Roser said it was likely the City would purchase more electric fleet vehicles in the future as they represented a major reduction in operating costs and greenhouse emissions.
Cockburn has maintained a Zero Emission Fleet since 2011 by offsetting emissions with tree planting projects in the Wheatbelt.
The City will invest in an electric waste truck this year and has also installed four public electric vehicle charging stations across Cockburn.
Mr Roser said the Hyundai’s running costs were expected to be significantly less than similar size petrol or diesel vehicles as no oil change or petrol or diesel was required.
“Servicing costs are expected to be $120-$160 compared to $400 as servicing is more a visual inspection of the engine and tyres, plus a battery test,” Mr Roser said.
“The EV’s running costs include power consumption, replacing tyres and brakes, air-conditioner servicing and general vehicle repairs, while charging costs are offset by the solar system installed on the roof of the City’s Operations Centre.
“The Hyundai Ioniq represented the best value for money overall when compared to other vehicles such as the Hyundai Kona or the Nissan Leaf.
“It features all modern safety features and includes 100kW of power. Overall it is very comfortable and drives like a petrol car but without the emissions.
“The purchase cost of $42,505 included all on-road costs and the car is being used daily, with all reports from staff positive.
“When driving, the Ioniq is noticeably quieter with the only sounds emanating from the cooling system and tyres. And the radio, of course.”
The sedan has a 310km range and from a low battery level, takes about four hours to fully charge at the City’s Operations Centre.
It can be charged from a low battery in about 30 minutes at the City’s public Fast Charge EV station at 23 Junction Boulevard, Cockburn Central.
This fast charge station is one of four public EV charging stations provided by the City. It was installed at a cost of $18,000 in February 2019 after the $44,000 unit was generously donated by a local resident and EV enthusiast.
Two EV chargers are located at the City’s Coleville Crescent administration building near Spearwood Library, with one recently upgraded to include a Type 2 connector to accommodate newer model cars.
The fourth charger is in Success in the carpark near Cockburn Youth Centre, off Wentworth Parade.