Suncorp’s electric vehicle rollout begins
Suncorp Group has its sights firmly set on rolling out electric vehicles within its corporate fleet as part of its ongoing commitment to reaching net zero.
Share
Suncorp Group has entered a new phase in its journey to net zero, with electric vehicles being added to the corporate fleet.
Transitioning the fleet from traditional petrol-powered vehicles to cleaner, greener hybrids and electric vehicles is a vital component of decarbonising Suncorp’s business operations. Reducing emissions from the fleet sits alongside renewable energy targets and energy efficiency improvements that will see Suncorp achieve net zero across its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030.
Suncorp EGM Real Estate, Procurement & Operations Colin Harris says he is excited to see the electric vehicle rollout underway and proud of the active role Suncorp is playing in tackling climate change.
“We've been intensely focused over the past few years, not only on our fleet but also on driving down our energy consumption and sourcing renewable energy for our offices,” he said.
“In the last three years, we’ve managed to reduce our office space by 20 per cent, and today 76 per cent of all the electricity we use comes from renewable sources.
“We made the decision to pursue electrification of the fleet back in 2021, despite the unknowns and the supply challenges we could foresee. In Australia, there are still only limited EVs available on the market, so our planning had to start long ago.
We’re allocating our first lot of small cars and we’ve got the charging infrastructure in place in our Sydney and Brisbane offices. The start of the rollout is a milestone we’re proud of, but it’s only one of many more to come.
“We’re allocating our first lot of small cars and we’ve got the charging infrastructure in place in our Sydney and Brisbane offices. The start of the rollout is a milestone we’re proud of, but it’s only one of many more to come.”
Senior Mobile Lending Manager Craig Kelly is the first driver to be putting Suncorp’s chosen EV, a Hyundai Kona, to the test. “I feel very lucky to be given the opportunity to drive an EV; it’s a smooth and quiet ride, and it’s fantastic to see Suncorp working towards sustainability,” he said.
Over the coming months and years, more electric vehicles will be delivered to a mix of functions throughout the Group.
Suncorp will also continue increasing its renewable energy use and forging ahead with its plans to reach net zero by 2050 across all emissions categories. The Group has committed to reaching 100 per cent renewable energy by 2025 and has reduced its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 79 per cent already.
#Why Suncorp is embracing EVs
Environmental benefits: EVs generate zero emissions while being driven and when charged using renewable energy.
Research from the Queensland University of Technology has found that even when charged with the average Australian energy grid, EVs are estimated to generate around 40 per cent fewer emissions than conventional vehicles.
Health benefits: More EVs on our roads will mean less vehicle pollution, cleaner air and better health.
Reduced fuel costs: Powering an EV is much cheaper than filling up at the bowser – around 70 per cent cheaper, according to the Electric Vehicle Council.
Lower maintenance costs: Fewer moving parts means fewer things can go wrong.
