The electrification of vehicle fleets is a significant step in the transition towards a more sustainable future. For Ausgrid, Australia’s largest electricity distributor on the East Coast, this shift is more than just an environmental initiative—it’s a strategic move towards operational efficiency and future-proofing their business. In a recent interview on the Fleet News Group podcast, Tim Kynoch, Fleet Engineering and Strategy Manager at Ausgrid, shared insights into the company’s journey towards fleet electrification, the challenges they’ve encountered, and their roadmap for the future.
Understanding the Complexity of Ausgrid’s Fleet
Ausgrid operates one of the most complex vehicle fleets in Australia, with over 2,250 vehicles and heavy plant equipment. Their diverse fleet includes:
- Light Commercial Vehicles: Around 1,000 utes, vans, and dual cabs with custom bodies
- Passenger Vehicles: About 200 sedans and SUVs
- Trucks: Approximately 400 units, ranging from small flatbeds to large mobile cranes
- Plant and Equipment: Over 600 pieces, including bobcats, excavators, scissor lifts, and elevated platforms
Managing such a vast and varied fleet presents unique challenges, particularly when integrating electric vehicles (EVs) into their operations.
Standardisation: A Fleet Management Fundamental
Kynoch emphasised the importance of fleet standardisation, a principle that has become increasingly difficult due to supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Standardising vehicle makes and models simplifies training, reduces procurement complexities, and streamlines maintenance operations.
“For a construction fleet, training is a massive component. Operators need to be qualified to use the equipment they have, and different makes and models come with their own quirks. The fewer variations, the easier it is to manage,” he explained.
The Shift to Electric: Overcoming Bias and Building a Strategy
One of the initial hurdles in Ausgrid’s transition to EVs was overcoming internal scepticism—including Kynoch’s own. Early experiences with electric vehicles, such as their first-generation Renault ZOE purchases in 2018, left much to be desired. However, the rapid advancements in battery technology and vehicle performance have since transformed his perspective.
“The first challenge was getting past my own biases. The media tends to highlight EV failures, but rarely talks about how well they actually work when managed properly. Once I started driving them regularly, I realised they’re incredibly efficient,” Kynoch admitted.
Expanding the Electric Fleet
Today, Ausgrid has moved far beyond those early trials and currently operates a diverse mix of EVs:
- Passenger Vehicles: Over 100 Kia Niro and Hyundai Kona EVs
- Trucks: Three 6.5-tonne electric tippers and one electric flatbed
- Electric Vans: Five units undergoing trial for specialised roles
- Plant Equipment: Electric forklifts and ongoing trials for electric excavators and elevated work platforms
Addressing Charging Infrastructure Challenges
Charging infrastructure is often cited as one of the biggest barriers to widespread EV adoption. Ausgrid’s approach to this challenge has been methodical, focusing on a four-tier “Charging Pyramid” strategy:
- Depot Charging – The foundation of the strategy, ensuring most vehicles return to a home base for slow overnight charging.
- Kerbside Charging – Leveraging Ausgrid’s own pole-mounted public chargers to support employees who park on the street.
- Public Charging Networks – A last-resort backup option using third-party charging providers.
- Substation-Based Charging – Installing dedicated chargers at substations for fleet vehicles stationed there.
By planning infrastructure investments carefully, Ausgrid has mitigated the risk of range anxiety among staff. Their depots are equipped with chargers ranging from 20 kW to 120 kW, ensuring that even their heaviest vehicles can be recharged within an hour or two during shift breaks.
Lessons Learned from Fleet Electrification
Kynoch identified three key challenges in Ausgrid’s electrification journey and how they’ve been addressed:
- Fleet Manager Bias – Many fleet professionals remain sceptical about EVs. The solution? Hands-on experience and trials to prove real-world viability.
- Infrastructure Readiness – Some Ausgrid depots lacked the electrical capacity for large-scale charging installations. The company has systematically upgraded these sites to enable full fleet electrification.
- Misinformation About EV Safety – Concerns about EV fires persist despite data showing they are far rarer than internal combustion vehicle fires. Ausgrid worked with EV FireSafe, a defence department-backed organisation, to educate their staff on EV safety and risk mitigation.
The Roadmap to Full Electrification
Ausgrid has set an ambitious target to have 900 electric vehicles in operation by 2029. Achieving this goal will require continued investment in charging infrastructure, collaboration with manufacturers to develop suitable heavy-duty EVs, and ongoing trials of emerging technologies.
“The technology is evolving rapidly. While we might not be ready to electrify everything today, I have no doubt that within the next decade, even our heaviest plant and equipment will have viable electric alternatives,” Kynoch said.
Key Takeaways for Fleet Managers
Fleet managers considering electrification can learn valuable lessons from Ausgrid’s experience:
- Start with easy wins – Transition passenger and light commercial vehicles first before tackling heavy-duty applications.
- Invest in charging infrastructure early – A well-planned network alleviates range anxiety and operational disruptions.
- Standardise vehicle selection – Limiting the number of makes and models simplifies training and maintenance.
- Educate stakeholders – Address myths and misconceptions about EV capabilities and safety to ensure smooth adoption.
Final Thoughts
Ausgrid’s commitment to fleet electrification is more than just a corporate sustainability initiative—it’s a strategic investment in operational efficiency and future resilience. By leveraging their expertise in energy distribution and systematically overcoming adoption barriers, they are setting an example for other fleets in Australia and beyond.
For those still on the fence about EVs, Kynoch’s advice is simple: “Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Start small, learn from each step, and scale up as technology improves. This transition isn’t a fad—it’s the future.”
