January 2025
CATO Group is a traffic management and logistics company that supports film, television, major events and the civil and construction sector across New South Wales and Queensland. The business plays a key role behind the scenes of large productions and events.
CATO was founded in 2012 and has over 200 employees and a fleet of utes, vans and trucks. As part of its sustainability goals, the business wanted to explore cleaner and more efficient ways to run its operations.
The NSW Government EV fleets incentive kick-start funding helped CATO to purchase a new light commercial electric vehicle and install a new charger at their Marrickville headquarters.
"The kick-start funding made it possible to move faster. We had been talking about EVs for a while, but this gave us the push we needed to make it happen."
CATO’s vehicles are in constant use across NSW, often driving in busy stop-start conditions. The company needed vehicles that could handle daily runs between production sites, clients and storage facilities while reducing fuel use and emissions.
“We are on the road all day moving people and gear around the city. Reliability and practicality were the biggest questions. We needed to be sure any new EVs could do the work.”
CATO also had to plan how charging would fit into existing operations without disrupting workflow or adding cost.
“The range is more than enough for a full day’s work,” he explains, “it is saving us time and money and fits straight into our workflow.”
The company received funding to install a new charger at their Marrickville depot and developed a schedule to manage charging overnight. The vehicle is now used daily for equipment deliveries, site visits and on-location support.
“Most of the time we charge at the depot overnight,” says Brodie. “The van is ready to go in the morning and we have had no issues with range. It is also very quiet which makes a big difference on set.”
CATO applied for the NSW Government EV fleets incentive kick-start funding after learning about it through a business network. The process was simple and the funding arrived quickly once approved.
“We were surprised by how straightforward it was. You apply online, submit your fleet details and quotes and once approved the funding is there. It’s a great way to take the first step.”
The new EV has already reduced running costs and improved CATO’s environmental performance. Staff have responded positively, noting the comfort, technology and quieter operation.
“The response from the team has been great,” says Kieran. “The van is easy to drive and people like the technology and the lower noise. It’s good for our brand too because it shows our clients we are serious about sustainability.”
“Installing a charger at our base was key,” says Kieran. “You have to make charging part of your operations. Once it’s in place it becomes routine.”
The team encourages other businesses to start small and test what works.
“The incentive is a great way to pilot EVs and see what fits your business,” says Brodie. “Start with one or two vehicles, learn from it and then grow.”
CATO plans to expand its EV fleet over the next two years as more commercial models become available. The company will continue to monitor performance and share its experience with others in the industry.
“We have proven the vehicles can do the job,” says Kieran. “The next step is scaling up. For us it is about showing leadership and helping normalise EVs in the commercial space.”
CATO Group is a traffic management and logistics company that supports film, television, major events and the civil and construction sector across New South Wales and Queensland. The business plays a key role behind the scenes of large productions and events.
Last week at Sydney’s iconic Hordern Pavilion, one of CATO Group’s most in-demand production vehicles, The Dressing Room, made a star appearance of its own. Parked backstage for the 2025 ARIA Awards, this premium dressing room trailer served as a mobile green room for Aussie and international artists like Olivia Dean.
Looking for a mobile dressing room or trailer? From the compact and agile Green Room, to our luxury cast trailer Honeywagon 4, we have a range of location vehicles available to suit any production, big or small.
