Custom Fleet are proud to be part of a trend in governments outsourcing the management of their fleet to free up capital and invest in front line resources, infrastructure and supporting their commitment to reduce environmental impacts.
The Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) was introduced to Western Power on the 3 May 2017. The fleet travels more than 30 million kilometres a year, servicing more than 1 million metro and regional customers across the south west of Western Australia.
The Mitsubushi PHEV vehicles have a five star ANCAP safety rating and in an extra step by the utility, are fitted with state of the art driver emergency features, which will be standard for all new Western Power fleet vehicles.
Aaron Baxter, CEO Custom Fleet says: “The PHEV program for Western Power was a collaborative effort with Custom Fleet. The concept of a plug-in vehicle was floated by Western Power and as such, Custom Fleet provided an ideal solution.”
“The Mitsubishi PHEV met the safety, operational and financial requirements of Western Power. When teamed with Custom Fleet’s Vehicle Telematics, it gives Western Power drivers a further level of safety.”
Western Power CEO Guy Chalkley said the addition of 12 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) is an innovative way to think about fleet efficiency and savings without compromising driver safety.
“At the push of a button, this technology allows drivers to instantly notify our safety team if they have a concern,” Mr Chalkley said.
“In the event of an accident the vehicle will automatically notify our safety team, who will take immediate action and send out help if it’s needed.”
The PHEV combines petrol and battery technology, automatically switching between three drive modes to maximise performance – helping to improve vehicle efficiency.
The electric motor can be charged by plugging into mains electricity, and on full charge can travel up to 54 kilometres in pure electric mode.
“These vehicles will help reduce emissions with a majority of metropolitan trips falling within the range of the electric engine mode,” said Mr Chalkley.
Lindsay Stark CFO, Mitsubishi Motors Australia said: “Mitsubishi is delighted that Western Power has made a commitment to reduce its environmental impact through its new fleet of Outlander PHEVs.”
Mr Chalkley said Western Power has been able to deliver state of the art safety to workers while reducing costs to the business, which will benefit consumers.
“In 2016 we entered a sale and lease-back arrangement with Custom Fleet, as part of our focus on improving our efficiency, whilst continuing to provide customers with safe and reliable electricity.
“This contract realised $25 million from vehicle sales and will contribute ongoing fleet management savings of $13 million over the next five years.”
