By Zero Emissions Noosa
Congratulations to Noosa Council on its recent purchase of two electric cars (EVs) – a new Hyundai IONIQ and an MG ZS replacing a diesel-powered ute and a small, petrol-powered car.
According to Geoff Archer, Council’s fleet coordinator, “Council decided to purchase two EVs as part of its drive to achieve net-zero emissions by 2026. There has been a significant upward trend in electric vehicle sales in Australia in the past year and technology has greatly improved. These vehicles are now more reliable, five-star safety rated, travelling longer distances than previous models, making them more attractive. Electric vehicles are the next step and Council is keen to trial these vehicles in the fleet to drive towards net zero emissions.
“Council has had six hybrid vehicles for some time. They have been a reliable asset demonstrating low fuel consumptions and emissions. Staff have adapted well to hybrid-type vehicles and have been well supported by the teams that use them. Feedback from recent demonstrations on the electric vehicles has been fantastic. So it was time to go the next step up to electric cars,” Geoff said.
“Based on an average of 20,000 km per year per vehicle, the new electric vehicles will save a total of six tonnes C02 per year. Charging the EVs using renewable energy from Council’s already large solar systems on their buildings, is the ultimate goal and to provide maximum environmental benefit and emissions reduction.”
EVs – Everyone is Getting Them – Pre-loved
“Should I renovate my kitchen and bathroom or should I buy an electric car?”
This was an easy question for baby-boomer Vivien Griffin to answer.
“My generation has presided over the creation of the climate crisis we are leaving for future generations, so it just seems right to think about how we each can make a contribution to fixing it,” she said.
“I don’t preach to others, but thought the signage on the car would be one way to get people thinking about their lifestyle choices.
“Yes, I know an electric car is not cheap, but it is now recognised that with the upcoming demise of the baby boomer generation, we are about to see the greatest transfer of wealth in modern history to the following generations.
“The Productivity Commission has estimated that baby boomers will pass on an estimated $224 billion each year in inheritances by 2050. I would love to see more of the baby boomer generation spending (some) of the kids’ inheritance on an electric car. Their kids might even thank them for it!”
Vivien continued: “I am one of those lucky ones with enough dollars to buy an electric car, so I did. And I feel good about that. I had been doing my homework for a while on models, range and price.
“In fact I managed to buy a second-hand Hyundai Kona. There’s nothing to go wrong with them, and I get fixed price servicing once a year. I expect this to be my last car, ever.
“I charge it at home by just plugging it into a three-pin socket. I have rooftop solar and also signed up to 100 per cent renewable electricity when I draw from the grid, so now have zero emissions from my electricity consumption. I replaced my gas cooktop and oven with electric recently, and now just have the gas hot water to replace, which will happen shortly. Getting the electric car was just another step towards being a zero emissions household.”
