Barwon Health is accelerating zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) take-up by switching to six battery electric cars for use by staff at the University Hospital Geelong, as part of a statewide Andrews Labor Government drive.
Another six battery electric cars are planned to be provided for the organisation’s McKellar Centre by the end of the year.
Nurses, hospital staff and volunteers will use the Hyundai Kona Electric cars for outpatient work and meetings in the Geelong community as Victoria charges towards a state-wide net zero emissions target by 2050.
The Labor Government’s fleet conversion is backed by a $15 million investment to encourage uptake of 400 ZEVs and associated charging stations over two years.
To help spark community interest in the take-up of sustainable transport, the Government will make the ZEVs available for public purchase at the end of their lease.
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Replacing existing petrol and diesel cars, the new Konas have a 480km range enabling staff to make long trips without the need to charge en route – the Barwon Health vehicles have dedicated charging stations at University Hospital Geelong.
The hospital is operated by Barwon Health – Victoria’s largest regional health care provider with 21 sites – a key health care provider across Geelong with services ranging from hospital treatment, rehabilitation, maternity, aged care, community and mental health.
Barwon Health has a target to reach zero fleet emissions by 2035. By December the new ZEVs will be powered via the Mount Gellibrand windfarm with the cars running on clean green electricity.
In addition to reducing emissions to make our towns, cities and regions more liveable, the ZEVs will also deliver ongoing cost savings due to having lower maintenance and running costs than their petrol or diesel predecessors.
Victorian-based industry expert JET Charge is fast-tracking the government fleet’s transition as the contractor supplying and installing the charging infrastructure. The 7kW charging stations are manufactured in Victoria.
The Government has also invested $19 million in grants to expand the publicly accessible fast-charging network, with new fast charging stations being installed at Lorne, Anglesea, Aireys Inlet and Winchelsea.
Under the Government’s $100 million ZEV Roadmap, more than 5,000 Victorians have taken up subsidies of $3,000 on the purchase of eligible ZEVs with sales in 2021 jumping by 310 per cent.
