Cobar Shire Council will be taking part in the Far North West Electric Vehicle Trial over the next three weeks.
A Kia EV5 Air Long Range SUV will be tested in local conditions to assess whether it and/or other electric vehicles (EVs) can meet the requirements of Council’s fleet.
This initiative is being undertaken in collaboration with the Far North West Joint Organisation (FNWJO) as part of the Joint Organisations Net Zero Acceleration (JONZA) project, funded by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).
The project explores how electric vehicles (EVs) can assist in reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions across Council operations.
Cobar Mayor, Jarrod Marsden is pleased to see Cobar Shire is taking part in this regional trial.
“It’s a practical way to understand how new technologies can support our community while moving towards a more sustainable future,” Cr Marsden said.
Council’s general manager, Peter Vlatko is looking forward to seeing how the EV per-forms under local conditions and testing the manufacturer’s claim of a 555-kilometre driving range.
“Council is always looking at opportunities to use assets more efficiently, and this trial will help us assess the potential benefits of EVs in terms of lower fuel and maintenance costs,” Mr Vlatko said.
He said the trial is only one part of Council’s broader efforts to reduce energy consumption and costs.
“We recently had an energy expert conduct audits of our highest energy-using sites as part of the JONZA project.
