Essential Energy is adopting electric vehicles (EV) for its fleet of approximately 3600 vehicles, where it is safe and practical.
Essential Energy Fleet Manager, Michael Mills, said, “It’s not about getting everything right the first time. It’s about listening, learning, and improving as you go.”
The utility has co-hosted and supported a series of EV drive days around regional New South Wales throughout 2024, with the most recent one held in Bathurst in December 2024. As part of the event, Mr Mills provided insights into the organisation’s transition journey so far, highlighting its support for the broader adoption of electric vehicles across regional, rural and remote communities.
Mr Mills said several motivators for the EV transition include alignment with the corporate strategy, cost efficiency, safety and social responsibility.
“The energy efficiency of EVs compared to internal combustion engine vehicles offers significant savings. Safety also plays a central role: modern EVs feature the latest safety technologies, ensuring improved protection for drivers and the public.
“Social responsibility is another driver, with Essential Energy also facilitating the rollout of more EV charging across regional, rural and remote New South Wales to support customers through their transition,” Mr Mills said.
The New South Wales Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has launched the third round of EV Destination Charging Grants. This round will offer $12 million, aimed at enhancing visitor destinations across regional New South Wales. Significant changes include a priority on faster DC charging infrastructure.
Further priorities for Essential Energy will help take bumps out of the road ahead. These include phasing in EVs for fleet vehicles nearing their end of life, installing charging infrastructure at depots and using telematics to guide decisions.
Mr Mills also offered advice to other fleet managers on the importance of understanding fleet usage and testing EV models in local conditions.
“Knowing how your employees use their vehicles and the conditions they need to drive in is all part of choosing the right type of EV to suit their needs,” he said.
“Ambient temperature can impact EV performance, particularly in colder regions, where range reductions were more significant than anticipated. Coordinating the charging infrastructure and vehicle delivery helps with business readiness and avoiding operational delays.
“Towing and payload requirements can significantly reduce EV range, which is a key factor for a lot of our vehicles due to the nature of our business. We’re addressing this by thoroughly testing EVs under various conditions to check for suitability.”
Mr Mills said the company will continue to integrate EVs into its pool car fleet and field operations while continuing to expand its depot charging infrastructure.
“By talking to our people, we learned that they prefer to charge their EV at work instead of at home, so we need to work that into our transition planning.”
These efforts reflect a strategic approach to electrification, balancing immediate needs with long-term goals.
Essential Energy has already introduced 30 EVs into its carpool fleet at various locations across its network, plus electric forklifts, field operation vehicles and a prime mover to deliver tools and equipment on the New South Wales North Coast.
“Electrifying our fleet is part of Essential Energy’s commitment to supporting EV adoption in regional, rural and remote communities,” he said.
“By taking a measured, data-driven approach, we are paving the way for a more sustainable future while offering a roadmap for others to follow.”
