Why is the Department of Internal Affairs replacing some of the Crown Fleet?  

The Department of Internal Affairs is modernising and diversifying the Crown Fleet. This includes transitioning to a low-emissions fleet and replacing the current Class 1 diesel-powered vehicles in the Crown Fleet, all of which are at their end-of-life. The fully electric BMW i7 xDrive60 has been chosen following a detailed and contestable evaluation process, based on the principles of vehicles being fit for purpose, value for money and minimising emissions.  

Who uses this service?   

The Department of Internal Affairs, through Ministerial Services, is responsible for providing 24/7 VIP transport services to the Prime Minister, Members of the Executive, and other users such as the Governor-General, senior members of the Judiciary and official Guests of Government.   

When is this change happening?   

The Class 1 vehicles will be introduced into the Crown Fleet from late 2025.  

What has changed and what do you need to be aware of?   

For the first time, the majority of vehicles in the Crown Fleet, approximately 75%, will be battery electric or plug-in hybrid low emission vehicles.   

As part of this project, infrastructure upgrades have been made at the depots to meet the needs of the new low-emission vehicle Crown Fleet.   

What criteria was used for selecting the vehicles? 

Fit for purpose, value for money and minimising emissions were key principles or criteria in decision making for the Crown Fleet refresh. 

Another key factor was the vehicles having a minimum 500km battery drive distance. A review by VIP Transport of drive distances shows this distance is manageable for the vehicles.  

Replacing diesel vehicles with fully electric vehicles will reduce the overall emissions of the Crown Fleet. 

Electrically capable vehicles are expected to have a useful lifespan of 2 years longer than their petrol/diesel counterparts. This will reduce capital renewal costs. 

Are these the same cars that the public can purchase? 

No. These vehicles were tailored to meet the specifications of the Department, having some non-essential accessories (such as rear TV screens, active ventilation for front and rear seats, upgraded internal lighting system, and the sports driving package), removed. 

The Department was able to negotiate a fleet price with the manufacturer that is commercially sensitive. 

What other benefits are there with these vehicles? 

It is expected maintenance costs will reduce. Electrically capable vehicles have significantly smaller motors and drive-train service requirements than diesel/petrol equivalents.  

Reduced maintenance will also improve service capacity. Vehicles will spend less time in off-road maintenance, and maintenance turnaround times will average a few hours, as opposed to days or weeks.  

Along with upgraded infrastructure in the 3 main regions, VIPT will be utilising charging facilities at other DIA sites nationwide. 

What is the cost?  

The total project cost over 4 years will be approximately $5.7 million. This covers vehicle purchases, infrastructure upgrades, vehicle fit-outs, on-road costs, driver training and the purchase of other Classes of vehicles.  This project is being funded from DIA’s approved Capital Plan.  

When was the previous Class 1 vehicle fleet replacement?  

Up until December 2019, the Department leased its Class 1 Crown Fleet. In 2019, the Crown Fleet transitioned to purchasing 26 vehicles, which then reduced to 20 vehicles in 2020 upon the introduction of low emission vehicles into the Class 2 Fleet.  DIA is continuing to reduce the overall size of the Crown Fleet based on customer needs and improving our efficiencies.