Electric vehicles
Moreland is a leader in encouraging the uptake of zero emissions vehicles and the promotion of zero emissions transportation. Council’s journey began in 2012, when Council participated in the Victorian Government’s Electric Vehicle (EV) Trial which included the installation of Victoria’s first EV fast charge station in 2013.
How is Merri-bek reducing the emissions of its corporate vehicles?
Council integrated its first electric vehicle in its fleet in 2013, then commissioned a comprehensive feasibility study and analysis to understand the impact of transitioning to a zero emissions fleet. This research confirmed the operational cost and environmental benefits of moving to zero-emission vehicles.
In June 2018, Council adopted a zero emissions corporate vehicle procurement policy. Transitioning Council’s fleet to zero emissions is underpinned by a number of Council plans and strategic objectives including the Corporate Carbon Reduction Plan (DOC 2Mb), Zero Carbon Merri-bek Climate Emergency Action Plan (PDF 978kb), and the Moreland Integrated Transport Strategy (PDF 25Mb).
Council now has 23 Electric vehicles in its fleet and 10 private charging stations to refuel them, including five publicly available DC fast charge stations. This is the largest local government EV fleet in Victoria.
How does Merri-bek support residents to use electric vehicles?
Moreland has a network of 16 publicly available electric vehicle charging stations which are powered by 100% zero emissions renewable energy from the Crowlands Wind Farm. These stations are located at:
- Moreland Civic Centre EV Hub at 90 Bell Street, Coburg, comprising of 3 charging stations including Victoria's first electric vehicle 'Fast Charge' station, which can recharge up to 300 kms of driving range in an hour.
- Boundary Road Cul-De-Sac, cnr Boundary Road & Sydney Road North Coburg where Council’s second DC ‘Fast Charge’ station is located.
- CB Smith Reserve, Jukes Road, Fawkner
- Brunswick Mechanics Institute at the David Street Carparknearthe corner of Glenlyon and Sydney Roads, Brunswick.
- Brunswick EV Hub at 13-15 Edward Street, Brunswick, which includes four charging bays and includes two new fast charge stations.
- Oak Park Sports & Aquatic Centre, 563a Pascoe Vale Road, Pascoe Vale comprising of 3 charging stations.
Council provides community members who have an electric car with free use of these charging stations to encourage wider uptake of zero emission modes of transport.
Locations of charging stations and a smart phone application can be found by visiting Chargefox or Plugshare.
Electric bike recharging is also available at the Moreland Civic Centre, 90 Bell Street, Coburg.
