Genesis commits to 100 percent electric or hybrid fleet by 2020

Genesis Energy has joined

The Climate Group’s EV100 initiative which brings together companies from all over the world committed to switching their global fleets to electric vehicles to reduce carbon emissions.

Genesis has committed to convert every car in its light vehicle fleet to electric or hybrid by 2020, with the same ambition for 50 percent of its heavy vehicle fleet by 2025.

In New Zealand, the transport sector accounts for 18 percent of carbon emissions; globally, the sector is the fastest growing contributor to climate change with businesses owning more than half of all registered vehicles.

Introducing fleet electric vehicles offers an opportunity to curb greenhouse gas emissions along with air and noise pollution and increases the number of low-emissions vehicles in the New Zealand secondhand-car marketplace.

The Genesis fleet comprises 86 light vehicles smaller than 3,500kg and 82 heavy vehicles, such as LPG delivery trucks.

Genesis has already converted almost half of its light vehicles to hybrid or fully electric vehicles, including the addition of three Hyundai Konas in November.

In 2019, Genesis will introduce charging stations for electric vehicles at its Hamilton and Christchurch corporate offices to encourage staff and customers to charge their own cars on site.

Genesis will also install three chargers at its Tuai, Tokaanu and Tekapo generation sites.

Marc England, CEO of Genesis, says joining the EV100 was a logical next step, following the release in August of Genesis’ Sustainability Framework, which included a goal identifying a fleet EV transition.

“We recognise that climate change is a global challenge that requires international collaboration, which motivated us to join the EV100 group,” said Marc. “In New Zealand, we have a unique carbon emissions profile where 85 percent of what we generate comes from renewable sources. That means our electric cars will be mostly powered by renewable energy too – an advantage we have over many other countries and one that really enables us to set an example. Our challenge is to continue to increase New Zealand’s renewable energy generation to adjust for demand from electric vehicles.”