“Zippy, sustainable, and intentional”

Fleet vehicles play an important role in the health and community service sector, ensuring the timely and reliable delivery of services and goods to metropolitan and regional locations. As the alignment between the industry’s operational requirements and the viability of electric vehicles (EVs) strengthens, understanding how to plan for EV travel will help businesses transition fleets seamlessly.

The work of Anglican Diocesan Services (ADS) has a significant geographical reach, spanning regional NSW and the ACT. From the south coast to the Snowy Mountains, the Riverina, and the Southern Highlands, ADS vehicles travel across a large regional footprint, and its pool fleet is critical to its day-to-day work supporting vulnerable communities.

For Renee Dixon, no one day of driving is ever the same, with her MG4 EV now a self-proclaimed “extension of her office”, vital to her role at Anglicare, one of the agencies supported by ADS. Renee optimises her EV travel in several ways, regardless of whether she is in an inner-city, suburban, or regional area.

Preparation is key

For Renee, switching from petrol to electric was seamless – thanks to the convenience of at-home charging. ADS engaged Origin 360 EV to develop a comprehensive EV fleet and charging solution that addressed driver needs and unlocked efficiency and cost-saving benefits.

With ADS operating a fully take-home fleet, Origin 360 EV delivered a complete EV fleet management solution, streamlining everything from vehicle supply to charger installation and automated reimbursement for charging costs.

An at-home EV charger means employees start each day powered up and ready to go. Charging the vehicle where it’s garaged minimises hassle and unlocks significant financial benefits for the organisation by accessing a residential tariff. In fact, ADS now spends just 30 per cent of what it did to fuel its take home fleet of petrol cars, freeing up funds to invest back into community work.

Plan for the day ahead

Managing driver fatigue and driver safety throughout the day is essential for any workplace, and EV’s help to facilitate this process. When planning a day on the road, people should choose when and where they take a break, recharging both themselves and their EV. There are several ways Renee makes her stops productive and enjoyable, such as choosing shaded EV chargers, fast-charging stations, or locations near shops, cafés, bathrooms, and walking tracks.

“For a longer day trip, I spend some extra time thinking about what point I will need to charge the EV, and how I can fit this in with the meetings scheduled throughout my day,” Renee shared.

Get to know your car

It’s important organisations equip employees with the knowledge and tools to optimise their EV driving experience, ensuring they can confidently service Australian communities. Each driver should know how their EV’s battery performs and understand it’s features including ‘regenerative mode’, which returns the energy used from braking back to the car battery as electricity and improves range. 

Understanding just how far an EV can travel comes with experience. “My transition to an EV became much simpler once I began to trust my vehicle. I am stunned at how far I can travel in my EV compared to my previous petrol car,” shared Renee.

Be flexible and open-minded

With preparation and some flexibility, EV drivers can set themselves up for success. Carrying a portable EV charger and extension lead, using platforms like PlugShare, and avoiding reliance on single-charger stations can help ensure a smooth journey.

“If I had to summarise my EV driving experience in three words, it would be zippy, sustainable, and intentional,” Renee explained. “You won’t look back to a petrol car once you experience an EV”.

Click here for more information about transitioning your business’ fleet to EVs

_{*Content provided is general and has not taken into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Origin recommends that you seek independent legal, financial and tax advice when considering its services.}