Westpac NZ has announced the arrival of 65 new electric and plug-in hybrid cars to its fleet.
According to the bank, the cars will be sent to Westpac branches and offices ranging from Albany to Invercargill from this month. It also said it is gearing up to meet a target of almost 100 electric cars by 2019 as it steps up its efforts to help curb climate change.
“The inclusion of this many electric cars in our fleet will significantly reduce our own carbon emissions.” Westpac NZ general manager, commercial corporate and institutional banking, Karen Silk said.
In 2016, Westpac first added three electric vehicles (EVs) and committed to convert 30% of its 301-car fleet by 2019.
By end of June, Westpac said 65 electric cars will be out on the road. The remaining 32 will be included in the fleet as leases expire. These cars are Hyundai Ioniqs, which come as either full electric or plug-in hybrid models.
“Before deciding on which types of cars to buy, we took a close look at where our mobile staff travelled to make sure either full electric or hybrid cars would support their needs,” Silk said. “At least 50 of our new cars will be fully electric and our ongoing commitment is to include as many full EVs as possible.
“However, for staff working further afield, it makes sense to include the plug-in hybrid vehicles as well,” she added.
Westpac has also started the power supply upgrade of its Britomart head office building to accommodate the 23 chargers that will be installed in its car park. It will also install a total of 65 chargers throughout its New Zealand branches and offices.
“Outside of business hours, people will be able to drive up to the car park and charge their cars while they do some shopping or spend time in the area,” Silk noted.
Westpac said it had decreased its own carbon emissions by 38% since 2012 and offsets the remainder of its emissions through the purchase of New Zealand carbon credits to be carbon neutral. Over the same period it has reduced lending to companies involved in fossil fuel extraction and production by 55%.
“We think this is the right thing to do for the environment and to help the country meet its emissions targets,” Silk said. “We also believe we have an important role to play in the future of electric cars in New Zealand.
“When our leases expire, these fleet cars will go into the used car market. That will help make electric cars more accessible and available to Kiwis,” she added.
