The 2023 LDV eT60 electric ute not doing it for you? Electric car conversion agreement will see more EV utes on Aussie roads

LDV might be the first to market with an all-electric, mass market ute with its eT60 set to launch this month, but a Brisbane-based company could change the game for tradies around the country.

Tembo EV Australia, owned by VivoPower International, has entered a supply agreement with Evolution Group Holdings (EGH) Limited to convert its fleet of light-commercial vehicles to full electric over the next five years.

EGH specialises in road infrastructure services such as traffic planning, equipment hire, and road and bridge maintenance around Australia and New Zealand, and boasts a fleet of over 500 vehicles including the Toyota HiLux.

This marks the first traffic management company in the world to commit to an EV-converted fleet.

The plan is to first trial an electric-converted vehicle on roads before being fully certified and roadworthy in 2023 before work begins on the rest of the fleet.

The conversion process will involve the removal of the internal combustion engine, which will then be replaced with an electric motor and battery pack.

Tembo EV Australia has not revealed any powertrain or driving range details.

EGH non-executive chairman Kerry Daly 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,” he said.

“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.”

Meanwhile, VivoPower chief operation officer Gary Challinor 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,” he said.

“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 complimentary sustainable energy solutions.”