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Why switch to an electric fleet

Electric vehicles (EVs) are a big part of Western Australia’s energy future. As we look to decarbonise our state, EVs will become more commonplace, as will the infrastructure necessary to charge them.

The number of EV's purchased in Australia nearly doubled in 2022

The Electric Vehicle Council reported an 86% increase, with 3.8% of all new cars in 2022 being electric. Here's a few reasons why businesses are making the switch...

Lower impact, lower cost

EV's cost less to run and maintain over their lifetime. While upfront costs may still be relatively high, when considering the overall cost of your vehicle, transitioning to an EV will help you save in the long run.

Find out more

Drive new visitors

Increase the visibility of your business, and region, by adding your charging points to places like Plugshare. If traffic isn’t your goal, enhance your customer experience by allowing your visitors to charge.

 

Walk the walk

Replacing 10,000 petrol vehicles with 100% electric or hydrogen vehicles is expected to reduce carbon emissions by at least 7,000 tonnes each year. Demonstrate your businesses commitment to sustainability by switching your fleet to electric.

Fuel security

WA relies heavily on international supply of vehicle fuel. By switching over to electric your business can minimise the risk and improve fuel security, relying instead on electricity generated right here in our state.

Share the cost of charging infrastructure

The Charge Up Workplace Grants Program is offering $15 million in grants for businesses to co-fund the cost of EV charging infrastructure.

Check if you're eligible

Powering a change for the better

Increasing model availability, decreasing vehicle cost, and growing awareness of the economic and environmental benefits of EVs are changing the way people think about their transport options. More and more, businesses are enjoying the advantages of electric vehicles.

The potential to save is only growing in Western Australia

Currently, there is an upfront cost difference when comparing similar models of EVs and petrol-powered cars that sees the electric model costing more. 

There is a likelihood that this will change as we see production scaled to meet customer demand. Sales in Australia tripled in 2021 to 20,665 electric vehicles sold, up from 6,900 in 2020. This increase represents a 2% market share of all sales, compared to 0.78% in 2020* (Electric Vehicle Council)  

This demand has also seen vehicle availability shortages, so there is a chance that even if you are ready to purchase, you may face varying wait times. 

Explore your EV options

The WA Government is driving a brighter energy future.

Here’s how your business can make the most of Western Australia’s push to decarbonise.

Share the cost of charging infrastructure

The WA government are co-funding the cost of EV charging infrastructure with their $15 million grant program. Charge Up is designed to make it easier and more cost effective for small to medium enterprises, not-for-profit organisations and local government authorities to install EV charging equipment at their workplace.

See if your business is eligible

The WA Government ‘Clean Car Fund’

In a push to assist with your transition to EVs, the State Government announced a ‘Clean Energy Car Fund’.

The electric vehicle support package includes up to 10,000 rebates of $3,500 for buyers spending less than $70,000 on a new EV or hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle (FECV)

See what it's all about

Save on lifetime costs of your vehicles

Cheaper to run

One of the great things about EVs, especially the 100% electric variety is they don't need as much or any petrol or diesel to run.

According to the Electric Vehicle Council, 'The average aussie drives 15,000km and spends around $2,160 on petrol per year. A Battery EV travelling 15,000km would cost around $600 per year in electricity costs.

Cheaper to maintain

With less moving parts than a traditional, internal combusition energy, there's less maintenance in the long run. You won't have to change oil or replace traditional parts like spark plugs.

Plus, the cost to a replace a battery (if needed) is continually falling each year. Most car manufacturers offer a 10 year or 160,000km warranty on batteries. 

Extra savings with solar

If you own rooftop solar and can charge your vehicle during the day, you'll be able to power your EV for free (thanks to the sun).

Horizon Power is also currently exploring the potential to connect your EV battery to the grid in the future - turning your vehicle into a mini renewable energy resource.

Compare the cost of your fleet with an EV

Try the Electric Vehicle Council's cost calculator to get a better understanding of the cost to own and maintain an EV compared to your current work vehicles - based on where you live and how often your drive. 

Calculate and compare running costs

We all have a role to play in WA achieving net zero emissions by 2050

The electrification of cars is critical to achieving this. Replacing 10,000 petrol vehicles with 100% electric or hydrogen vehicles is expected to reduce carbon emissions by at least 7,000 tonnes each year.

This is why the State Government has set a target to achieve a minimum 25% EV target for new light and small passenger, and small and medium SUV government fleet vehicles by 2025/26.

Read the WA Government's guide to EVs

Creating a destination charger

Drive traffic (literally) to your door

Installing a charging, and adding it to charger locating maps like PlugShare is a great way to encourage visits from locals and tourists, to charge their vehicles.

Reward visitors with charging benefits

Offering charging facilities for your customers is an excellent value add. Those charging at destinations typically spend half an hour, and up to a few hours parked during the day to explore local sites and attractions.

Frequently asked questions

  • How do I compare an internal combustion engine vehicle to an electric vehicle?

    The considerations are the same as when you are comparing models of petrol cars. When comparing ensure you choose like-for-like models for comparison. Then, consider the total cost of ownership, from upfront purchase to ongoing cost of running your vehicle including refueling and servicing. 

  • Will Horizon Power be offering an alternative tariff to support EV users?

    As part of our electric vehicle pilot, Horizon Power is considering the impact that EVs will have on our microgrids, by collecting and analysing data from the charging stations at our Broome and Esperance depot and at the homes of our trial participants.  

    As part of the pilot, making sure that the products and services that Horizon Power offers meet the changing needs of the community around EVs is something we’ll be looking at. So... watch this space! 

  • Can I be subsidised for purchasing an EV in Western Australia?

    The Western Australian State Government announced, in May of 2022, an electric vehicle support package including up to 10,000 rebates of $3500 for buyers spending less than $70,000 on a new EV or hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle (FECV) 

    This rebate forms part of their ‘Clean Energy Car Fund’, designed to assist Western Australians to transition away from petrol-fuelled vehicles. 

    Find out more about the rebate here.

Want to know more?

Charging your fleet

When considering fleet conversion a key consideration, and potentially cost, is ensuring you have the right electricity connection and supply arrangements to charge your fleet. Read our guide to preparing your electrical infrastructure.

Find out more

Horizon Power acknowledges the Traditional Custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain images, names or voices of deceased people.