Evolution to fully electrify light utility fleet

Evolution Group Holdings (Evolution) has announced that it has entered an exclusive partnership with Tembo, the electric vehicle subsidiary of VivoPower International PLC (VivoPower), for the full electrification of its fleet of light utility vehicles for traffic and fleet management. The agreement aims to convert 500 existing and new vehicles to full electric over a five-year period, with the aim of having the first electric vehicle certified and roadworthy in 2023.

Kerry Daly, Non-Executive Chairman at Evolution, said, “Evolution is constantly evaluating opportunities to offer innovative and competitive solutions to its clients and to the industry as a whole. We have one of the largest fleet of vehicles for traffic management services across Australia and New Zealand, and being the first to commit fully to electrification of our vehicles will help to set new eco-friendly standards for the industry.

“After a review of proposals and capabilities of different electric vehicle conversion companies, the independent board members of Evolution have selected Tembo on the basis of their global experience, capability to deliver, training and change management credentials as well as the broader VivoPower sustainable energy solutions offering.”

It is expected that 80 traffic management vehicles will be fully electrified by Tembo in the first phase, subject to the successful completion of commercial and technical on-road trials.

Evolution is claimed to be the first traffic management company to commit to fleet electrification and repowering, which aligns with its objective to deliver cost-effective, sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions for clients from both the private and public sectors in Australia and New Zealand.

Gary Challinor, Chief Operating Officer of VivoPower, said, “We are delighted to have been selected for this important agreement and partnership to repower Evolution’s fleet of light utility vehicles for traffic control and fleet management. It is a first for the repowering of an existing fleet in Australia and New Zealand and also a first for the traffic management sector.

“We are looking forward to working closely with Evolution, not only to provide conversion EV powertrain kits, ruggedisation and customisation, but also importantly to deliver training and change management, as well as complementary sustainable energy solutions.”

Sharing plans to expand the company, Challinor added, “Tembo is currently evaluating options and in discussions with financiers for establishing assembly facilities in Australia and is considering South East Queensland as a preferred location.”