Vic Gov extends EV subsidy

THE ANDREWS Labor government has announced an extension of its $46-million Zero Emissions Vehicle subsidy by adding an additional $7.2 million in electric-vehicle subsidies to the program as part of its wide-ranging Zero Emissions Vehicles Roadmap.

To date, more than 4000 Victorians have taken advantage of the $3000 subsidy (for zero-emissions vehicles priced under $86,740), State government sources say.

The figure includes 400 government fleet vehicles, which are expected to replace petrol-powered models by 2023. The Andrews government has also pledged that all buses will be zero emission vehicles by 2025.

“This nation’s leading subsidy is cutting the cost of living for thousands of Victorians while driving us closer to our goal of net-zero emissions by 2050,” said the State’s minister for energy, environment and climate change, Lily D’Ambroiso.

“We are transforming our energy system with an historic investment in renewable energy to meet our ambitious target of halving emissions by 2030, and electric vehicles have a critical role to play in meeting that target.”

State government statistics show the transport sector accounts for a quarter of Victoria’s total CO2 emissions, with Ms D’Ambrosio saying that electric vehicles would reduce emissions, while reducing air- and noise pollution.

Sales of BEVs in Victoria have risen 310 per cent since May last year (2021), with uptake in LGAs (including Boroondara, Monash and Wyndham) leading the charge.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) welcomed the Victorian government’s announcement and said the additional 2600 subsidies for Victorian motorists were a flip for those who were considering the move to an electric vehicle.

“The Victorian government’s announcement of an addition $7.2 million in purchase incentives for electric vehicles is welcome news for motorists who have been considering the move to an electric vehicle,” said FCAI CEO Tony Weber.

“This additional spending complements the government’s charging infrastructure investment across the state.”

However, Mr Weber added that more needed to be done at both a state and federal level to further reduce vehicle emissions.

“Our overall policy objective is to reduce CO2,” he said. 

“While subsidies for specific technologies are welcome, the pathway to reducing emissions in the medium term will rely on a range of low emission technologies that include plug-in hybrid, hybrid, and even highly efficient internal combustion engines.”

The Andrews Labor government has already announced green-energy plans for the state’s tram and train network, as well as an extension of the electric vehicle charging network it says will ensure no Victorian lives further than one hour from a high-speed EV charging station.

“Electric and Zero Emissions Vehicles are the future of transport and we’re making sure more Victorians are part of this transport revolution with a clean and sustainable car,” said Victoria’s minister for public transport, Ben Carroll.