Australian fleet buyers have signalled a switch to electric vehicles (EVs) in the next two years, on the back of a unique EV Drive Day convened by the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC).

The EV Drive Day brought together 60 fleet buyers and managers from 41 organisations, who were given the chance to test drive electric passenger and light commercial vehicles.

With 13 models available for testing, the event represented the largest collection of EVs in one place in the Australian market. Collectively, the drivers completed 180 laps of the three-kilometre Lakeside Drive track at Melbourne’s Albert Park, giving them a chance to experience the performance options of multiple vehicles.

The majority of the fleet buyers and managers who participated in the EV Drive Day (47 per cent) had more than 250 vehicles in their fleet, with almost a third having 50-250 vehicles.

In a post event survey, the fleet buyers and managers were asked about their intentions regarding electric vehicles: 50 per cent signalled the would include EVs in their fleets within 12-24 months, and 38 per cent forecast they would have more EVs within three months.

The fleet buyers and managers were also asked to name the main attraction of EVs, identifying reduced fuel and maintenance costs, as well as lower emissions. Potential concerns about switching to EVs included charging infrastructure and the upfront cost of EVs.

CEFC CEO Ian Learmonth said: “Electric vehicles offer an exciting opportunity to tackle our greenhouse gas emissions, from family cars through to light commercial vehicles and heavy-duty trucks. We see fleet buyers and managers as having a critical role to play in accelerating the switch to electric vehicles. They have strong purchasing power, which can help drive down costs. With their focus on operational efficiency and cost, they can also help demonstrate the benefits of electric vehicles compared with diesel and petrol-powered engines.

“Our survey provides a small but important snapshot of buyer intentions. Our goal is to see this extended right across the fleet sector and beyond, as owners and drivers become more familiar with the potential of electric vehicles. While Australians have traditionally been early adopters of new technology, we’re lagging when it comes to EVs, and we’re working hard to change that.”

Mr Learmonth added: “The EV market is maturing rapidly, as demonstrated by the large number of EVs available at our EV Drive Day. We’re also seeing major investment in the essential charging infrastructure, which will give drivers increased confidence about the suitability of these vehicles.

“Given the scale and frequency of vehicle purchases by fleet buyers, we were delighted to create this opportunity for them to experience EVs first hand, to help them make better informed decisions regarding their EV options in the future. We particularly thank the EV Drive Day co-sponsors and the participating vehicle manufacturers for their support for this unique event.”

The EV Drive Day was co-sponsored by the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, and supported by the Australasian Fleet Management Association (AfMA), JET Charge, Chargefox and the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria. Attendees included nine manufacturers, as well as fleet financiers and rental and car share companies.

In Australia, an estimated 19,000 businesses operate fleets with 20 vehicles or more, representing more than 2.1 million vehicles according to AfMA.

AfMA Executive Director Mace Hartley said: “The EV Drive Day was a great opportunity to give fleet buyers hands on experience with so many of the new passenger models coming to the Australian market. We’re particularly excited to see the next generation of electric and hybrid vehicles now becoming available, with more affordable prices likely to increase their attractiveness to buyers.

“Another very important development in this market is the increasing range of commercial vehicles now available, from smaller-scale buses and vans to heavy duty trucks and electric garbage trucks. We’re also seeing increasingly advanced technology and safety features that have important benefits to fleet buyers, alongside the benefits of cutting vehicle emissions.

“We thank all the manufacturers and fleet representatives who made the time to attend this exciting event.”

The CEFC has identified lowering transport-related emissions as a key priority in efforts to reduce carbon emissions across the Australian economy. Transport accounts for almost 20 per cent of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions, or around 100 million tonnes of emissions each year.

The CEFC has committed almost $43 million to support the purchase of electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles for individual, small business and fleet buyers. In addition, through the Clean Energy Innovation Fund, the CEFC is financing start-up companies targeting the EV market. One of these, Melbourne’s SEA Electric, showcased an electric garbage truck at the EV Drive Day.

New modelling commissioned by the CEFC and ARENA found that EVs could represent 90 per cent of all cars and light commercial vehicles on Australian roads by 2050, requiring $1.7 billion in private investment in new charging infrastructure.

Energy specialist Energeia said increased EV sales would require a combination of policy incentives such as upfront financial incentives, government fleet purchases, and changes to the regulation of vehicle emissions, fuel efficiency and vehicle import regulations.

Increasing model availability to allow consumers to find vehicles within their budget was also critical, as was public-access charging infrastructure to complement home charging and support vehicle charging for long-haul trips and occasional top-ups.

EV DRIVE DAY BUYER INTENTIONS

Future intentions regarding EVs:

• 47 per cent say their organisation will include EVs in their fleet in the future
• 35 per cent already have EVs in their fleet
• 18 per cent were unsure if they would include EVs in their fleet

Of those respondents who indicated they would include EVs in their fleet:

• 50 per cent indicated they would incorporate EVs into their fleet within 12-24 months
• 38 per cent indicated they would incorporate EVs into their fleet within 0-3 months
• 13 per cent indicated they would incorporate EVs into their fleet within 2-5 years

Confidence in the viability of EVs in Australia:

• 82 per cent were more likely to include EVs in their fleets having test driven them

Source: CEFC