As part of Brighton Council’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, an MG ZS electric vehicle has been added to the fleet. The full electric vehicle joins two other hybrid electric Toyota Rav 4s currently used in the day to day vehicle fleet. Council has an existing corporate zero emissions target by 2035 and has a clear vision to reduce emissions from across Council operations as part of the Brighton Council Climate Change and Resilience Strategy.

The MG ZS charges up during the day from the free public charger in the carpark of Council Offices. Council Offices also have a rooftop solar system with over 200 panels (65kW), generating electricity onsite to further reduce emissions. The MG ZS is one of the first more affordable small utility vehicles (SUVs), with a total distance range of 320km from a full charge.

Emissions savings result from the switch away from diesel or petrol fuel to Tasmania’s very low emission electricity mix. The Australian Government and State Government have various measures to support electric vehicles, for example, stamp duty is exempt for electric vehicles. For more information on the full range of Brighton Council initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions see the website at www.brighton.tas.gov.au/community/environment.