Downer New Zealand has added three LDV T60 electric utes to its fleet which exceeds 60 EVs.
“Recently, we have delivered 15 Polestar 2s and three BYD Atto 3s, with more on order,” says Downer NZ national fleet manager Josh Hedley.
“We have recently removed all ICE passenger vehicles from our selection guide so all future passenger vehicles in the Downer fleet will either be EV or hybrid,” he adds.
“We will continue to offer ICE vehicles in the tool of trade space for vans and utes until fit for purpose options arrive.”
While Hedley believes the LDV electric utes are probably among the first introduced to the sector, he doubts they will replace diesel utes at this stage.
“However, it is an important step in the understanding and acceptance that goes with the transition to electric vehicles.”
Hedley says Downer has also introduced hybrid Hino trucks to its fleet and will continue to do so.
“Hybrid trucks and light vehicles are a critical step towards the transition of our heavy fleet that allow us to make changes whilst the infrastructure and vehicle technology catches up with demand.”
Meanwhile, Hedley says the electric utes will move around their designated business streams (transport, facilities and utilities) in different roles.
“Because the type of work performed across the business is so broad it’s almost impossible to say exactly what they will be used for – you can pretty much ensure with a business as diverse as Downer the only role they probably won’t perform is carrying dogs and chasing sheep (well.. not in business hours anyway).
“Our fleet team will regularly seek feedback from users as they move around the business for our review.”
Downer NZ is exploring options for home EV charging for salary package vehicles (primarily passenger vehicles).
“All of our tool of trade (utes and vans) EV vehicles live out of a depot that has charging facilities,” Hedley adds.
“We also provide all our EVs with ChargeNet access fobs.”
Downer NZ has many depots with EV chargers installed (including Auckland, Tauranga, Hamilton, New Plymouth, Whanganui, Palmerston North, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch and Dunedin) with more planned in 2023.
Downer Group is a leading provider of integrated services in New Zealand and Australia, with 150 years of helping clients build, maintain and operate New Zealand’s vital infrastructure.
