FLEETDRIVE
Identifying applications where electrification already makes sense and deliver vehicles specifically designed to meet those needs.
Multiple Pathways to Decarbonisation
Ford Australia General Manager of Ford Pro, Michael Elias, argued that fleet decarbonisation should not be viewed solely through the lens of battery electric vehicles.
While acknowledging the growing role of electric vans and plug-in hybrid vehicles, Elias emphasised the importance of providing fleets with multiple pathways to reduce emissions while maintaining productivity.
Ford ' s approach includes battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, renewable fuels and traditional internal combustion solutions where appropriate.
One example highlighted during the session was Ford ' s collaboration with Melbourne Airport, which has transitioned its fleet of Ford Rangers, Everests and Transit vehicles to renewable diesel. According to Elias, the initiative demonstrates how organisations can achieve meaningful emissions reductions while continuing to utilise existing assets and infrastructure.
Importantly, Ford ' s renewable diesel compatibility extends to vehicles already on the road, allowing fleets to pursue decarbonisation opportunities without necessarily replacing their vehicles immediately.
For many fleet operators, particularly those with demanding payload, towing or regional operating requirements, this type of transitional solution may represent a practical pathway while electric vehicle technology continues to mature.
Matching the Powertrain to the Task
Toyota Australia ' s Joel Finucane reinforced a similar message, arguing that fleet decarbonisation requires a fit-for-purpose mindset.
Rather than pursuing a single technology solution, Toyota ' s strategy is built around what it describes as a multi-pathway approach, matching different powertrains to different operational requirements.
This includes battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, hydrogen fuel-cell technology and highly efficient internal combustion engines.
Finucane pointed to the Toyota Hilux as a prime example of the challenge facing manufacturers. The vehicle serves an extraordinarily diverse customer base, including government agencies, mining operations, construction companies, small businesses, farmers and emergency services. Many of these users operate in environments where long distances, remote locations, heavy payloads and limited infrastructure remain significant constraints.
A Northern Territory police vehicle, for example, may travel more than 1,000 kilometres in a single day, often in areas with limited charging infrastructure. Applications such as these highlight why no single powertrain solution currently meets every operational requirement.
While battery electric vehicles offer significant emissions benefits, Finucane argued that fleets must consider operational realities and select technologies based on actual usage patterns rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach.
ISSUE 59 JUNE 2026 / WWW. AFMA. ORG. AU 7