TROPIC Wings Cairns Tours & Charters is set to introduce 12 Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) into its fleet from December this year.
The award-winning tourism operator, part of The CaPTA Group, is the leading coach operator in the region.
The estimated total project cost is $10.2 million with nearly half of it being secured through funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
Tropic Wings, the recipient of the silver award for Major Tour & Transport Operator at the 2023 Queensland Tourism Awards, also operates the first 100 per cent electric bus that was introduced into the sector.
Tropic Wings General Manager Colin Anderson said the acquisition of the 12 electric vehicles represented a significant step towards their goal of becoming 80 per cent electric by 2028.
“This achievement positions us as a leader in the tourism industry, being the sole company to operate 100% electric vehicles for tourism and charters,” he said.
“Such a milestone perfectly aligns with our vision of being a responsible tour operator, further demonstrating our unwavering commitment to the environment and local communities.”
This project received funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency as part of ARENA’s Driving the Nation Program which seeks to accelerate the adoption of clean and sustainable transportation solutions throughout the country.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller said use of electric buses in the tourism sector at this scale is an Australian first.
“ARENA is glad to see companies like Tropic Wings taking the lead and showing how smaller players can play their part in transitioning the nation’s bus fleets,” he said.
“With roughly 100,000 buses in Australia, the scale of the challenge is enormous – for smaller family-owned businesses, the barriers are even greater.
“This is what the Driving the Nation fund is for, supporting companies that are finding solutions and paving the way for zero emissions vehicles on our roads.”
Through collaborative efforts with esteemed industry experts including Energy Australia, Electric Vehicle Council, and Vehicles Dealers International, the project encompasses a comprehensive plan, including the installation of 11 charging stations and the development of an innovative Island Facility battery storage system.
These upgrades will be complemented by crucial enhancements to key infrastructure and substantial investments in research and development across two strategic sites – at the Tropic Wings Depot in Cairns and Rainforestation Nature Park in Kuranda.
Additionally, this initiative will serve as a blueprint for other tour operators, facilitating their transition to electric vehicles and promoting sustainable tourism.
CaPTA systems and projects director Michael Woodward said the entire CaPTA Group believes in the potential of the region and is dedicated to enhancing the tourism experience while preserving our natural treasures.
“We take immense pride in being a family-owned business deeply rooted in tourism – our confidence in the region and commitment to it are at the heart of our mission,” he said.
Keep up with the latest news in Cairns and the Far North, and check out some of our top stories this week: Cairns Airport reopened and JCU investigates coral and algae relationships.
