New EV set to save ratepayers $62,000 over next decade

The addition of a new electric vehicle to Council's fleet is expected to save Mansfield Shire ratepayers tens of thousands of dollars in running costs over the next 10 years - the first step in a broader shift toward lower-emission vehicles.

The Toyota bZ4X is Council's first fully electric vehicle, with more expected to join the fleet over time as vehicles are progressively replaced at the end of their lifecycle.

James Alcaniz, Senior Coordinator Waste and Environment at Mansfield Shire Council said it was a practical decision that saved Council valuable funds while building on Council's Climate Action Plan, which sets fleet transition as one of the actions supporting Council's commitment to net zero emissions across its corporate operations. 

"Every dollar we save on running our fleet is a dollar we can put towards the services our community relies on," he said. 

"When a vehicle reaches the end of its life, it makes sense to look for a replacement that will cost less to run and maintain over the coming years. This electric vehicle is expected to save Council around $62,000 over the next decade.

"Weighing up the rising cost of fuel and maintenance of the organisation's existing fleet, Council completed a 10-year Total Cost of Ownership assessment comparing the bZ4X with an equivalent petrol or diesel vehicle. The assessment demonstrated significant ongoing savings," he said.

Additional vehicles are due for replacement this financial year, with lower-emission options on the table and EV charging infrastructure to support.

"The change will happen gradually, but the direction is clear. We're not rushing this, we're doing it properly and replacing vehicles with better options when replacement is due. It means real savings for the community, now and well into the future," he said.