Electric car launched for Earth Hour

Monday, 25 March 2019

Council is marking this year’s international Earth Hour event on Saturday 30 March by launching our new electric car.

The latest addition to Council’s vehicle fleet is a 100% electric Renault Kangoo, which will not create any greenhouse gas emissions while being driven, and will be recharged using renewable energy.

The delivery-style ‘eco car’ has been purchased to trial its suitability and real world running costs, and if it proves successful we can look at purchasing more in future when our cars need replacement. The Kangoo will be used by staff to transport items around the city and will be on display at various community events so local residents can learn more about this technology and see the car for themselves.

Penrith Mayor Cr Ross Fowler OAM said he is excited that Penrith is one of the first councils in Sydney to have a fully electric vehicle as part of its fleet. 

“This is the latest in a range of steps we have taken to reduce our energy use and move towards renewable energy sources, as an organisation and a city,” Cr Fowler said.

Council has installed 37 solar panel systems on our buildings, with a total energy generating capacity of 346kW (a typical home system is about 3-5kW). In the 2017-18 financial year we achieved a 62% increase in the amount of solar power generated and used across our facilities compared to the previous year, and we are always looking for more opportunities to go solar. We also purchase 10% greenpower for all Council sites. 

We recently participated in the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) Lightyears Ahead project, converting thousands of our streetlights to more efficient LED systems. 

Penrith residents are encouraged to join millions of people in more than 180 countries in switching off their household lights from 8.30-9.30pm on Saturday 30 March. Visit earthhour.org.au to find out more. Council already switches off non-essential lighting at our facilities every night, to reduce our energy use. 

To learn more about local sustainability news, upcoming events and workshops visit the Sustainability page, and subscribe to our Sustainability eNewsletter while you are there.

Photo caption: Penrith City Council General Manager Warwick Winn and Mayor Ross Fowler OAM pictured with Council’s new electric vehicle.

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Monday, 25 March 2019.