Yarra Valley Water launches first electric utility vehicles as part of fleet transition
Published 04 June 2026
The electric utility vehicles will be used by Yarra Valley Water’s Customer Response Officers to respond to water pressure and water quality enquiries.
Equipped with a mini laboratory, desk and mobile office set-up, the vehicles enable officers to sample and test water quality on-site, improving response times for enquiries while reducing emissions.
Yarra Valley Water Managing Director Natalie Foeng said the vehicles demonstrate how the organisation is transitioning to a more sustainable frontline service.
“When someone has a concern about their water supply, they want help fast. These electric vehicles mean our team can test water on the spot, while also reducing emissions in the neighbourhoods we serve,” Ms Foeng said.
The new vehicles will be powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity through Yarra Valley Water’s expanding charging infrastructure, including its solar carpark.
Ms Foeng said transitioning the fleet to electric vehicles also delivers long-term economic benefits.
“The economics of electric vehicles increasingly stack up. They’re cheaper to run, require less maintenance and help us manage fuel instability, while supporting our broader sustainability goals.”
The new vehicles build on Yarra Valley Water’s growing EV fleet, following its commitment last year to purchase only electric passenger vehicles, with work ongoing to transition its operational fleet.
EV fleet progress to date includes:
- 2022–23: 25% hybrid, plug‑in hybrid or electric
- 2023–24: 27%
- 2024–25: 37%
- 2025-26: 45%
The new utility vehicles will be on the road supporting Yarra Valley Water and its customers from July 2026.
For more information on Yarra Valley Water’s net zero commitment, visit: www.yvw.com.au/net-zero.