Another council plans plugging in to EVs

Christchurch City will join the growing number of councils moving towards electric vehicle fleets.

The council’s infrastructure, transport and environment committee has recommended it undertake the official procurement process to secure a zero-emission electric car fleet.

It suggested that the council share around 50 electric vehicles with Environment Canterbury and Meridan energy.

Of its 100-strong fleet, around 54 are expected to be EVs, the committee was told before passing the recommendation to the next stage.

Council staff will now report back with a proposal covering affordability and make-up of the clean fleet.

Benefits included lower operating costs, reduced parking requirements, lower emissions and a potential kick-off point for an electric car share scheme. It saw the biggest risk as not being able to secure financial support from government through the contestable EV fund.

A number of local government organisations have announced electric vehicle initiatives since transport minister Simon Bridges outlined the national vision for zero-emission motoring.