The Northern Territory government says it now boasts 64 electric vehicles in its car fleet, well ahead of its 2023 target of 40 – and it says it has another 49 already on order.
The Labor government in the Northern Territory committed to purchasing 200 electric vehicles for its fleet of government vehicles by 2030. A 2019 strategy expected the number of EVs in the government’s fleet to increase by 20 per year, but the Territory is ahead of that target, with plans to further ramp uptake.
Among the EVs introduced into service this year is an electric Hyundai Kona at the Territory Wildlife Park in Darwin which replaced two petrol vehicles.
The Territory Wildlife Park is also planning to “soon” replace its diesel trains with electric shuttle trains, with more details to be announced sometime in the new year.
“The Territory Wildlife Park is committed to a sustainable future and contributing to the National Net Zero Targets,” said Rob Hall, Territory Wildlife Park director.
“The purchase of an electric vehicle is a massive step in the right direction.
“With the associated installation of more clean energy generating solar systems at the Park and the importing of new and modern energy efficient electric people movers to replace the Park’s current diesel trains TWP is making significant strides in its commitment to a clean green future.”
The Territory government says it has installed 46 charging points and 62 charging stations at government-leased buildings across Darwin, Katherine, and Alice Springs.
In 2022, the government reduced registration and stamp duty fees for plug-in EVs and introduced the Electric Vehicle Charger Grant Scheme for both residential and business installations.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.