Casey to test green wheels

By Bridget Brady
Casey is one of four councils in the South East Council Climate Change Alliance that is taking part in a three-month State Government trial of electric vehicles.
The trial is aimed to test how the electric vehicles would operate in real-life situations, surveying issues such as infrastructure, servicing and consumer behaviour.
Council will receive one vehicle for three months. It will run on green power and be charged at a location near the council chambers in Narre Warren.
Council staff will nominate to use the vehicle, which is likely to be a Mitsubishi i-MiEVs that has an average length of 140km to 160km per charge.
In her report to the council, manager of environment Nicola Ward said staff members who used the vehicle would need to undergo necessary training.
“Technical data will be capturedthrough the vehicles, and drivers will be surveyed on their experiences and opinions,” Ms Ward said.
Data from the trial will be used for Casey’s Emissions Management Plan and any possible use of electric vehicles in the future.
Ms Ward said the trial was an opportunity for the council to contribute to research.
“This is a valuable and practical statement of council’s commitment to a sustainable future, and provides opportunities for data analysis and information to help council manage its own vehicle fleet into the future as well.”