The Australasian Fleet Management Association (AfMA) proudly recognises Hydro Tasmania as the winner of the 2026 Fleet Environment Award for delivering a major expansion of electric vehicle infrastructure and progressing the transition of its passenger fleet toward electrification.
Through a combination of EV deployment, charging infrastructure investment, operational integration, and workforce engagement, Hydro Tasmania has demonstrated how organisations can progress fleet transition while maintaining operational capability across diverse environments.
A Clear Strategy for Fleet Transition
Hydro Tasmania established a target to transition 130 passenger vehicles or approximately 45 per cent of itstotal fleet to electric vehicles by 2030.
To support this goal, the organisation developed a Five-Year Sustainable Fleet Strategy focused on guiding fleet transition and performance.
Hydro Tasmania has already deployed 26 electric vehicles as part of this ongoing transition.
“As Australia’s largest generator of renewable energy, sustainability is part of our DNA. What better way to show our intent and commitment to sustainability than with our fleet vehicles which are out and about in Tasmanian communities every day.”
Major Investment in Charging Infrastructure
A key achievement in Hydro Tasmania’s submission was the rollout of charging infrastructure across its operational sites. They have planned and installed a total of:
- 20 DC chargers
- 31 AC chargers
- 6 portable DC chargers to support operational flexibility
This resulted in substantial infrastructure growth, including:
- 1,250 per cent increase in AC chargers
- 82 per cent increase in DC chargers
- 461 per cent increase in total charging capacity
The deployment of both fixed and portable charging solutions has supported EV utilisation across Hydro Tasmania’s operational environments.
“Our own charging infrastructure network has been critical to support our growing EV fleet and our operational requirements. Recent financial investment has bolstered our capacity for the fleet and provided a practical combination of AC, DC and portable chargers to meet a range of user needs.”
Environmental Outcomes and Resulting Efficiency in Cost and Operations
Since October 2023, Hydro Tasmania estimates its EV program has reduced emissions by approximately 138,495 kilograms of CO₂.
The organisation also increased the EV share of total fleet mileage from 3 per cent to 5 per cent, with the figure continuing to trend toward 6%.
Alongside environmental outcomes, Hydro Tasmania achieved a reduction in fleet cost per kilometre of approximately 4 per cent, decreasing from 29.1 cents to 27.9 cents per kilometre. They also maintained overall fleet costs with a slight reduction despite increased mileage and fleet growth.
“Our cost per kilometre reduction is confirmation of our success to date and a motivator for further electrification by 2030. It also presents as a significant reward for any organisation looking to start their transition to fleet electrification.”
Supporting Driver Confidence and Adoption
Hydro Tasmania implemented an EV test drive program and structured change management initiatives to support workforce engagement during the transition process. Training and engagement activities helped improve workforce understanding and confidence in EV operations.
The organisation achieved an 18 per cent increase in driver confidence as well as a reduction in the perception of EVs being “very different” from 59 per cent to 20 per cent.
“My motto has always been “once you drive one EV, you can drive them all”. Our test drive program has reduced anxiety in many drivers and boosted confidence to be repeat EV users across all makes and models. We recognise it as an important engagement activity to support drivers through employee uncertainty of electrification.”
Integrating EVs into Operations
Hydro Tasmania introduced EVs into diverse and remote operational environments while integrating EV rollout into ongoing fleet operations and replacement planning.
The organisation also implemented fixed and portable charging solutions to support operational requirements across its fleet network.
Industry Engagement and Collaboration
Hydro Tasmania actively participated in industry forums, working groups, and knowledge-sharing activities related to fleet sustainability and transition. They also collaborated with suppliers, OEMs, and government stakeholders to support fleet transition initiatives.
Their approach clearly exhibits how long-term planning, infrastructure investment, and operational integration can support meaningful progress in fleet sustainability.
AfMA warmly congratulates Hydro Tasmania on its sustainability achievements.
We would also like to acknowledge the sponsors of the 2026 Fleet Environment Award, Hyundai and Karmo, for their continued support of sustainability and innovation in fleet management.
Hydro Tasmania Fleet Environment Highlights
- Target to transition 130 passenger vehicles (45 per cent of total fleet) to EVs by 2030
- 26 electric vehicles deployed
- Five-Year Sustainable Fleet Strategy awaiting endorsement
- Installed 20 DC chargers and 31 AC chargers
- Introduced 6 portable DC chargers
- Achieved 1,250% increase in AC chargers
- Increased total charging capacity by 461 per cent
- Estimated reduction of 138,495 kg CO₂ emissions since October 2023
- Increased EV share of total fleet mileage from 3 per cent to 5 per cent
- Reduced cost per kilometre by approximately 4 per cent
- Increased driver confidence through EV test drive program
- Integrated EVs into diverse and remote operational environments
- Collaborated with suppliers, OEMs, government stakeholders, and industry groups
Did you find this article interesting? Click the ‘heart button above to give it a ‘like’!
