Professor Clare Pollock with one of the new EVs
Three new Kia EV5 Air Long Range vehicles are set to boost the Edith Cowan University (ECU) Joondalup Campus fleet.
The new acquisitions will support ECU's ongoing commitment to sustainability. EVs have lower running and maintenance costs, produce zero tailpipe emissions and provide a quiet, comfortable driving experience.
The new EVs, mid-size all-electric SUVs with a driving range of 555km, are safe, reliable and economical to run, Director of Campus Environments, Sean Henriques said.
ECU currently operates a mixed fleet of passenger vehicles available for staff travel between campuses and for University business.
The new EVs are replacing ageing fleet vehicles that have reached the end of their lease. Mr Henriques said the aim is to modernise the fleet while introducing electric vehicles in a practical and measured way.
We're not just changing the vehicles – we're modernising the way our fleet operates.
Overall, driver feedback has been positive. Many staff have commented on how quiet and smooth the vehicles are to drive, while those new to electric vehicles have been pleasantly surprised by how intuitive they are to operate after a short familiarisation session. One person commented that it was like driving a "futuristic" vehicle.
The introduction of Campus Environments' Take Charge@ECU information campaign has also helped build driver confidence before using the vehicles.
Supporting the pool of EVs, ECU currently has two dedicated charging stations at the Joondalup Campus.
"As the University's electric fleet grows, we will continue to review charging requirements and expand infrastructure where it is operationally justified. Introducing charging infrastructure is an important part of the transition, and we are taking a staged approach to ensure capacity grows alongside the fleet," says Mr Henriques.
Professor Clare Pollock and Karen Gilmore with one of the new EVs.
Manager of Quality and Service Delivery at Campus Environments, Karen Gilmore, noted that electrifying ECU's fleet is about more than replacing vehicles – it's about choosing the right vehicle for the right job. Electric buggies are already used routinely by ECU maintenance teams and the Campus Support Office, to support the goal of integrating sustainable transport solutions into everyday campus operations without compromising service delivery.
Nickey Ludkins, Manager of Strategic Partnerships at the School of Business and Law, emphasises the green credentials of the new additions.
"Reducing our reliance on fossil fuels is urgent, so rather than fly to Geraldton for ECU's Small Business Development Corporation-sponsored Climate Ready workshop, I'm driving the five hours in one of the University's new EVs. It's a chance to walk the talk on emissions, showcase ECU's leadership in electrification, and put range anxiety to the test in a state as vast as Western Australia."
With the EVs' rollout progressing efficiently across the campus, the initiative signals a practical and forward-thinking investment in a more sustainable future for students, staff and the wider community.
