The Victorian Government is investing $5 million in a fast-charging network and $3 million in new charging grants for local councils and commercial fleets.
With 141 electric car fast-charging stations being installed across Victoria as part of the Destination Charging Across Victoria Program, drivers in each Victorian municipality will be 1 hour away from a fast-charging station.
Shopping malls, public parks, community centers, libraries, and tourism hotspots such as the Great Ocean Road, Melbourne Zoo, Melbourne Cricket Ground, and Queen Victoria Market are among the destinations.
The projects, which are part of Victoria’s $100 million Zero Emissions Car (ZEV) Roadmap, will considerably improve the state’s charging infrastructure and make purchasing an electric vehicle easier for Victorians.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio announced the funding along with easier access to the state’s $3,000 zero emission vehicle subsidy – which is now available at the point of sale.
She said the EV Charging for Council Fleets and EV Charging for Business Fleets programs would provide up to $3 million in grant funding for fleet infrastructure for local councils and businesses.
“By expanding critical charging infrastructure for the public, local councils, and businesses, we are laying the groundwork for our target of 50 per cent of all new light vehicle sales to be zero emissions by 2030,” the Minister stated.
“This is about accelerating the take-up of zero-emissions technology – which creates jobs and a greener state.”
Minister for Public Transport, Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll noted that there had been a 200% increase in average monthly ZEV sales in the six months since the program started.
“The transport sector is the second largest contributor to Victoria’s emissions and our investments are tackling this ? making zero emissions vehicles a vehicle for change,” Mr Carroll concluded.
