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THE Palaszczuk Government continues to drive its energy agenda, after partnering with Mitsubishi Motors to deliver a fleet of electric cars.
The investment will see eight electric vehicles (EVs) introduced into Ergon Energy's passenger fleet this year.
Minister for Energy Mark Bailey says the electricity distributor was looking forward to its future with EVs and setting the benchmark for other businesses.
"Investing in electric vehicles is in the long-term interests of Queensland, so it is gratifying to see partnerships like this driving investment," Bailey says.
Ergon Energy chief executive Ian McLeod says the agreement will allow the company to reduce carbon emissions and embrace emerging technology.
"Ergon Energy, as a forward thinking electricity distributor believes that wider adoption of EVs will happen," McLeod says.
The partnership was announced in July with the aim of creating an 'EV highway', with Australia's first solar-powered fast-charging station for EVs to be established in Townsville.
Ergon Energy is also finalising a lease offer to employees that could see an additional 100 EVs deployed for private use later this year.
Mitsubishi Motors Australia CEO Mutsuhiro Oshikiri says the company is pleased to team up with the government and Ergon Energy to raise awareness of environmental sustainability.
"The Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) are the world's first plug-in hybrid SUV and their versatility will suit Queensland's robust environment," Oshikiri says.
The eight Mitsubishi Outlander PHEVs being added to Ergon's fleet will be based in Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Mackay, Maryborough and Toowoomba.
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