Glen Innes Council could be the first to own an electric car

They originally planned to replace a Holden Barina with a Toyota Camry hybrid, but will instead investigate acquiring a fully-electric vehicle, after an amendment to its annual light vehicle procurement acquisition order by Deputy Mayor Dianne Newman.

Councillor Steve Toms said it was a proactive move, and council was showing leadership in the community.

"The world will wake up shortly to the need for and the opportunity of electric vehicles," he said, at the meeting on Thursday July 25.

Director of Infrastructure Services Keith Appleby said council would likely get free fuel from the NRMA's fast charging station behind the town hall. He said a council policy allowed them to buy electric vehicles where it's cheaper to do so, and he anticipated the tipping point to come soon.

A number of councillors expressed the opinion that it would already be cheaper to operate an electric over the course of its life despite a dearer upfront cost.

The amendment was passed unanimously.

General Manager Mark Riley said on Friday that council had not voted to actually buy an electric car, just to investigate whether it really would make financial sense.

He said it would be an important blow for the environment.

"I think if council buys an electric car I think that's a very good statement, and hopefully from the report of the director it all stacks up," he said.

Mr Riley, previously General Manager of Dubbo Regional Council, said that council bought two electric cars for their mayor a number of years ago and he spent over a hundred thousand dollars of his own money on a Telsla vehicle after he left the position.

Could there come a day where councils operate nothing but electric?

"I'm not sure I'll see it, but who's to say in 50 years time (that's) not the case.

"Never say never."

Councils in Tenterfield, Armidale, Tamworth, Uralla and Walcha are still running a mix of petrol and hybrid vehicles and have no plans to buy an electric vehicle.

Glen Innes Severn Council owns and operates 52 light vehicles in its pool, used for various business purposes. It also offers high-ranking staff the option of a leaseback vehicle as a company car during work hours.

The council will spend approximately $513,898 on new cars this year, minus $149,000 it expects to claw back by selling their old fleet.