Seven years after the Dubbo City Council first pioneered an all-electric vehicle for its official mayoral vehicle, the Dubbo mayor’s vehicle will once again be a full EV, this time in the form of a Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Dubbo mayor Matthew Dickerson has made a habit of making headlines for his vehicle choices, taking delivery of a hybrid Holden Volt in his first stint as mayor in 2013 before taking delivery of a Nissan Leaf in 2015.
Now, having been returned to the position of mayor, Dickerson is again taking the electric vehicle initiative by taking delivery of a Hyundai Ioniq 5, to be paid for out of his own pocket but nevertheless sporting the unmissable “DUBBO” license plate.
“Seven years on the technology and the range of EVs has vastly improved,” said Dickerson. “Also continuously improving is the access to charging stations throughout Australia, including regional areas; and the community’s understanding of the benefits of EVs.”
“I would like to see people consider an EV as a real option, in particular in multi-car households, especially as technology has improved, access to charging stations has improved, and total cost of ownership of EVs is improving.
“The potential benefits to both the owners of EVs and the general community include reduced fuel costs; lower maintenance costs; improved energy security; greenhouse gas emissions can be eliminated if EVs are charged using renewable energy; reduced air pollution and an improved driving experience.”
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has reported that Australia’s EV uptake is much lower than other developed countries, with only 1.95% of all new vehicles purchased in 2021 registering as electric. However, it is expected that, as cheaper models arrive and more extensive charging infrastructure is rolled out, this figure will increase over time.
Similarly, councils around Australia are slowly beginning to recognise the value of electric vehicles, particularly to the benefit of their own council fleets. But Dickerson believes there remain some challenges for big organisations like local councils in the adoption of electric vehicles.
“There are some limits to what Council can currently access for its light and heavy fleet,” said Dickerson.
“It’s an evolving work in progress that requires supporting policies and a comprehensive strategy adopted by Council to maximise the effect and costs for such a fleet. More importantly, availability and ‘fit for purpose’ vehicles are needed, something manufacturers continue to work on insofar as light commercial and heavy vehicle options.”
That being said, while not an overly impressive portfolio, the Dubbo Council already operates a fully electric forklift at its stores facility as well as a full EV utility vehicle at the Wellington Caves tourist destination.
The Dubbo Council has also purchased a full EV for its light fleet which will be put to use in a local corporate business area, while the Council has also placed an order for another plug-in hybrid.
“These are small but important steps as Council works to fully develop and design its longer-term ‘greener fleet’ strategies,” said Mayor Dickerson.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.