Green energy for vehicles

ActewAGL is committed to increasing the use of alternative transport options on our roads in the ACT and the surrounding region. We are aiming to achieve this through our support in the deployment of Canberra's electric vehicle network, and through the operation of our compressed natural gas (CNG) re-fuelling station in Fyshwick.

In our own fleet, we use both electric and CNG-fuelled vehicles. Read more about ActewAGL's green transport initiatives below to find out how both of these choices can help you to increase your "green credentials".

Canberra's electric vehicle network

ActewAGL is supporting Better Place, a leading electric vehicle service provider, to deploy its infrastructure throughout the ACT.
Better Place’s initial Australian deployment will be in the ACT. They aim to have electric car recharge points set-up in homes, workplaces and shopping centres by 2012.

ActewAGL will work closely with Better Place to supply and distribute electricity from renewable sources.

Update from Better Place

The national capital is leading the way with electric vehicles
 
Better Place is a global leader in the provision of infrastructure and services to support the mass adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). The Better Place network will make it easier, more affordable and attractive for motorists to adopt and drive electric vehicles.

Geoff Zippel Head of Deployment Better Place Australia   Better Place intends to roll out a full service electric vehicle charge network nationally and Canberra drivers will be the first to have access to this network. This will include home charge spots, charge spots in public and office car parks and battery switch stations where drivers can quickly swap their depleted battery for a fully charged one and continue on their journey.

Initial deployment will begin in Canberra later this year, with full customer service to be available in 2012. The first Better Place charge spot in Canberra is currently in use at Belconnen Fresh Food Markets.

Most of the time, when EV drivers park, they will plug their EV in to a charge spot and top up their battery so they will start each journey with a full 'tank'. When driving longer distances, the Better Place battery switch technology will allow drivers to replace their depleted battery for a fully charged one, in less time than it takes to fill a tank with petrol.

Drivers will be able to subscribe to a Better Place monthly plan, which will include access to the battery, removing a major upfront cost for EV drivers. The package will also provide access to the charge network and Better Place operations staff that will support customers to ensure a smooth and convenient driving experience.

Residents of Canberra are presented with a real opportunity to lead Australia's transition towards the mass adoption of EVs.

Working closely with ActewAGL, we have committed to purchasing 100% renewable energy to power the Better Place network and EVs in the initial Canberra rollout.

For more information visit the Better Place website.

Compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles in the ACT

CNG can help to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions while providing an affordable alternative for your transport fuel. CNG has a number of advantages, such as:

• being cheaper than other fuels
• increasing vehicle efficiency while providing comparable vehicle range
• producing less carbon emissions than diesel or petrol
• providing a secure fuel source because of its abundance in Australia, and
• being one of the safest transport fuels available.

ActewAGL owns and operates a CNG refuelling depot in the ACT and another in Sydney. We are seeking to further develop the infrastructure and increase the CNG vehicle customer base in the ACT.

Did you know that Canberra's bus service ACTION uses CNG in its fleet? Find out how CNG can provide a greener and more cost-efficient outcome for you or your transport fleet.

Learn more about CNG.