Victorian drive for an electric future

The Andrews Labor Government will provide 20,000 subsidies of up to $3000 for new zero emissions vehicles (ZEV) as a part of its plan to meet a target of net zero emissions by 2050.

With currently only 0.1% of Victorian cars now electric, the $100 million package is designed to make ZEVs more affordable, build charging infrastructure and achieve more ZEVs in government and commercial fleets.

The Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) has welcomed the intent shown by the Victorian Government with its commitment to achieving half of all new car sales to be electric by 2030 and subsidies for new electric vehicle sales.

EVC Chief Executive Behyad Jafari said the announcement was a welcome step.

“This is exactly the kind of momentum we need in Australia if we want to join the rest of the world in embracing the transition to electric vehicles,” Jafari said.

“We know from surveys that Australians are eager to get behind the wheel of an electric vehicle, they just need to know their governments will back that decision. Policies like this tell Australians that buying an electric vehicle is a choice they can make with confidence.

“Reaching a target of 50% electric vehicle sales by 2030 is a positive and reasonable target. It will take work, but with industry, government and community working together, we can achieve this and unlock the many benefits that come with it.”

To meet the expected increase of ZEVs on roads, the Labor Government will invest $19 million to roll out more charging infrastructure on major highways, at key tourist attractions and locations across Melbourne and regional Victoria.

This will more than triple government-supported fast-charging sites across Victoria, adding at least 50 charging points to the existing network of 24 sites.

Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll said: “With an expanded network of charging stations, we’ll give drivers confidence and more Victorians a new job.”

The government will also invest $10 million to add ZEVs to the government fleet, starting with 400 vehicles in the next two years. A $5 million innovation fund will work to support the uptake of ZEVs in the commercial sector.

Victoria will also work with other states and territories towards a consistent approach to vehicle emissions standards.

According the EVC, the Victorian Government has also announced a tax on the use of electric vehicles.

“The Electric Vehicle Council has advanced a range of suggestions on how to improve Victoria’s EV tax, from staging its introduction to kick in from 2030, to limiting its impact to ensure electric car drivers pay less in tax than combustion engine vehicles. The electric vehicle industry stands ready to assist the Victorian Government get these policy settings right,” Jafari said.

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