AMP committed to electrifying fleet

This story first appeared in the October issue of EVtalk – CLICK HERE to download the magazine FREE

AMP is a leading provider of financial services, including superannuation and insurance, with the country’s most extensive and diverse network of financial advisers.

It is focused on managing its business sustainably to create long-term shared value for its customers, people and communities, which includes reducing its environmental footprint.

That’s why AMP is working towards having at least 30% of its lease vehicle fleet as EVs in the near future.

“We think electric vehicles are a real game-changer for New Zealand,” AMP managing director Blair Vernon says.
“That’s why in 2017 we got behind the Electric Day Pass initiative set up by Volkswagen, Europcar and Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland airports, which gives regular business flyers into these main airports the use of a Volkswagen e-Golf for the day for free.

“Since then we’ve been testing a range of electric vehicles,” Vernon says.

“We’re on track to ensure at least 30% of our fleet vehicles are electric by the end of 2019, albeit my hope is that we can convert the whole fleet in the foreseeable future.
We think that’s the right thing to do as part of our broader commitment to sustainability and our communities.

“AMP’s fleet enables us to reach and service our customers all over New Zealand and we have varying needs when it comes to range.
For example, some of our people in the South Island travel up to 10,000km per month, while others based in metro Auckland average about 500km per month.

“We’re pleased that manufacturers are now producing vehicles that have realistic everyday range and that will enable a smoother transition to an EV fleet.
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AMP’s people are proud to support the move to an EV fleet and welcome the opportunity to test the new EVs.

AMP’s workplace and direct advisers head Donna Mason has for the past two weeks been trialling Volkswagen’s new electric e-Golf and Hyundai’s new Kona Electric model.

“The EVs I’ve trialled are quiet, comfortable, and great to drive,” Donna says.
“I regularly travel long distances so it’s important that an EV has sufficient range which can be easily predicted so trips can be planned accurately to reduce ‘range anxiety’.

“It’s pleasing to see manufacturers addressing this issue.”
AMP vendor partnerships manager Lochie Cameron agrees.
He says car manufactures are increasingly improving the range of EVs, which is a key factor for most businesses in being able to adopt them.

“We’re pleased to be able to provide some important feedback on how these very quiet and super-efficient modes of transport will fit into our fleet and those of other businesses around New Zealand,” he says.

AMP’s current fleet consists of 52 Volkswagen Tiguans, selected because of their comprehensive safety features, size, efficiency and reliability.

The company continues to trial a range of EVs, including the hybrid VW Golf GTEs and BMW X5, the Mitsubishi all electric, Audi A3 e-tron, and the Nissan Leaf.

So far, the e-Golf stands out because of its size and reasonable range, the company says.

But AMP says hybrids it has tested don’t generally offer the electric range it requires, and general fuel consumption is little better than a standard petrol car over long distance.

It may also trial the all-electric Jaguar I-Pace.

AMP has one charging station situated in the carpark of AMP’s main Auckland premises.