The Victorian Government has announced a new program where all Victorian businesses can apply for a share of $1.5 million in grants to install EV charging stations.
The Electric Vehicle Charging for Business Fleets program aims to help reduce operating costs and emissions by supporting chargers for business fleets and stimulating the purchase and lease of zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) for business operations.
By switching to ZEVs, businesses could save up to $500 per month per car in their fleet.
Victorian Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio, said cars have to be a vehicle for change as the state halves emissions by 2030.
“By getting more zero emissions vehicles on our roads we’re reducing transport’s massive contribution to climate change and cutting costs for businesses.
“By supporting businesses with chargers we are slashing emissions and operating costs and building the zero-emission second-hand market, getting closer to our target of half of light vehicle sales by 2030.”
The turn-over of fleets will flow-on to the second-hand EV market, in turn making them more affordable for Victorians and cutting the cost of living for the community.
Transport is one of Australia’s largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 25 per cent of Victoria’s total carbon footprint.
The Victorian Government has set an ambitious goal for ZEVs to make up half of all new light vehicle sales by 2030, helping Victoria halve emissions.
Victorian Minister for Public Transport, Roads and Road Safety, Ben Carroll, said transport is the second largest contributor to Victoria’s emissions, and these grants will help support all sectors of the community to transition to zero emission vehicles.
“This is not only another step towards achieving zero emissions, but it also creates jobs and provides a boost to the economy,” Mr Carroll said.
The grant program is a key part of the Victorian Government’s $19.21 million Acceleration of ZEVs Adoption package and nation-leading $100 million ZEV Roadmap.
Applications are open until 22 July 2022 and can be made here.