Council's first electric car is unveiled

Orange City Council has purchased its first electric fleet vehicle.

The Hyundai OSEV Kona EV WG Elite 150kw Model was unveiled today (Friday July 26).

Orange City Council's Environmental Sustainability Policy Committee Chair Mario Previtera said the electric vehicle would be used for a range of purposes as a Council pool car.

"The Kona will be used often as Council's mobile parking car, given that parking vehicle travels over 150 km per day, is often stopping and starting and uses a fair amount of fuel for that reason," Cr Previtera said.

"We can also use it for general staff travel within the city and, given the increasing number of fast chargers in the state it can be used for long distance travel for staff also.

"I am hopeful that once we test this vehicle for a while, it could very well be the first but certainly not the only Council electric vehicle."

Orange City Council's Environmental Sustainability Community Committee Chair Stephen Nugent said the vehicle would make an impact to Council's environmental footprint.

"The electric car has a range of about 440 kilometres and can be plugged into a standard charger overnight," Cr Nugent said.

"Given how much travel some of our fleet cars have to do, this investment of $59,000 will be worthwhile in the long-run.

"The NRMA recently opened Orange's first EV fast charger which is being used by travellers from across the state.

"it's a sign of change and emerging technologies and I'm proud Council is embracing every opportunity to be part of that change."

Crs Previtera and Nugent look on as parking officer Lachlan Davis takes off in the Council's first electric vehicle. The Hyundai Kona

Crs Previtera and Nugent look on as council officer Lachlan Davis takes off in the Council's first electric vehicle. The Hyundai Kona

/Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).View in full here.