Driving sustainability through fleet transformation
WORDS BY THE NRMA
The NRMA fleet is playing an active role in the organisation’ s transition to a lower-emissions future.
When the NRMA was founded more than a century ago, its mission was to help Australians navigate the transition from horse and cart to the motor car. Today, the organisation is still overseeing and encouraging major changes, this time to a greener, more sustainable Australia.
The NRMA has committed to a reduction in Scope 1( fuel) and Scope 2( electricity) emissions by FY30, with net zero as the longer-term goal.
Progress in Scope 2 is already complete thanks to a full transition to 100 % renewably sourced electricity across the business. This milestone was achieved a year ahead of schedule and is a win that reflects the seriousness with which the NRMA is approaching its environmental commitments.
Fuel consumption is next in the spotlight, with the transition to an electric fleet being central to the solution.
The NRMA operates multiple fleets, including approximately 250 roadside patrol vehicles in NSW and the nation-wide rental car provider Sixt. For the patrol fleet, the target is to electrify at least half of all vehicles by 2030, but the transition is easier said than done.
One of the biggest challenges is drivers themselves. For example, many individuals hesitate to rent an electric vehicle( EV) or use one for work because of the fear of running out of battery or being forced to hunt for a charger at inconvenient times.
To achieve its sustainability targets and resolve the‘ range anxiety’ issue, the NRMA is investing heavily by creating 250 public EV fast-charging sites by 2027, with around 180 of those located in regional Australia.
Emma Cowan is General Manager of Strategy and ESG at the NRMA. She explains,“ As infrastructure catches up, so will consumer confidence. To add to this, Australians’ attitudes to electric vehicles are undergoing a massive shift, with EV and plug-in hybrid EV sales reaching almost one-third of new car sales in May. Our own member surveys show people’ s willingness to buy this style of vehicle has grown since the fuel crisis began. Their confidence has been bolstered by the potential cost savings, an increase in charging stations and the greater range of affordable models available.”
So far, the NRMA’ s patrol fleet has grown from a single electric trial vehicle to having more than 20 EVs in the pipeline. A positive result to add
24 ISSUE 59 JUNE 2026 / WWW. AFMA. ORG. AU