Meridian plugs in to global EV community

Meridian Energy’s commitment to EVs has gone global with the company joining the international EV100 initiative, pledging to operate a 100% electric fleet by 2030.

A Mitsubishi i-MiEV launched Meridian’s EV journey nearly a decade ago.

Since then, the company has been testing different charging installation methods and tracking fleet requirements.

It’s already converted more than half its passenger fleet to 100% electric and has made strong inroads in converting utility vehicles too.

The EV fleet costs Meridian Energy the same in capital expenditure as its previous fossil fuel fleet but has lower running costs and higher residual values. The EVs are much better for the environment as well.

“Electrifying our vehicle fleet is one way that we can demonstrate our commitment, and also learn – and then share those learnings with the broader business community,” Meridian property and procurement manager Nick Robilliard says.

Robilliard speaks at the global Nordic EV Summit in Norway on March 21 and 22, joining an international panel to discuss the motivators and barriers around large organisation fleet electrification.

The Climate Group corporate partnerships director Mike Peirce says Meridian Energy is among the growing number of New Zealand companies accelerating the global switch to electric transport.

“Forward-thinking utilities know electric transport offers huge economic opportunities, and the fact that Meridian is already experiencing lower running costs shows it’s a sensible business move.”

He suggests companies in every sector should start transitioning fleets now to remain competitive, and that EV manufacturers increase supply.

Visit www.theclimategroup.org/project/ev100 for more information.