More electric utes needed in Australia, solar group says, as it takes first of its kind on road trip

Australia needs policy changes, more vehicle chargers and a bigger focus on regional areas to catch on low-emissions transport, Solar Citizens says

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

Electric utes are perfectly suited to driving in regional Australia but the country needs policy changes and more public chargers to encourage the transport trend, according to a renewable energy group.

Solar Citizens has called for changes as it prepared to complete a six-month electric ute road trip on Friday that has taken the technology through towns in NSW, Victoria and the ACT.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup