The Victorian Government is calling for businesses, councils and community organisations to install electric vehicle charging stations across the state, with $5 million in funding to expand Victoria’s network of fast-chargers – including chargers that give electric vehicles enough power to drive 100km after ten minutes of charging.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio announced the grants which will deliver more charging stations across Victoria to meet the surge in demand for zero emissions vehicles. Regional Victoria will receive 80 per cent of the funding, giving electric vehicle owners the confidence to travel across the state.
State Member for Narre Warren South Gary Maas, said the $5 million in funding will deliver around 100 charging stations across Victoria, ranging from 11kW to 100kW, so this is a great opportunity for Narre Warren South to attract Zero Emissions Vehicle drivers to the area.
The Government will work with successful applicants to maximise the number of chargers that can be delivered.
The Government’s support for public charging infrastructure will help meet Victoria’s target that 50 per cent of all new car sales be zero emissions vehicles by 2030 and help meet Victoria’s goal of halving carbon emissions by 2030.
The transport sector accounts for 25 per cent of Victoria’s total carbon emissions. Electric vehicles will reduce emissions, while also reducing the amount of air and noise pollution, making our cities and towns more liveable.
This funding will expand the extensive existing network of chargers at locations like shopping centres, hotels, restaurants and tourist destinations. By expanding the locations, particularly in regional Victoria, electric vehicle owners should have the confidence that they can charge their cars when they need and where they need.
The grants program will also support jobs across supply chains and services – including technicians, mechanics, and electricians – which brings broader economic benefits across the state.
These chargers are part of a comprehensive $100 million plan to drive uptake of zero emissions vehicles, which includes over 20,000 subsidies starting at $3,000 to help Victorians purchase a zero emissions vehicle – the first subsidy of its kind in Australia – and funding to drive uptake across the Government and commercial fleet.
Applications for the Destination Charging Across Victoria Program are open until 5:00pm on Friday, 30 July 2021. For more information, visit energy.vic.gov.au/DCAV.
Quotes attributable to Member for Narre Warren South Gary Maas MP:
“Helping our growing electric vehicle network is so important in meeting our emission reduction targets and it’s great to see the Victorian Government supporting new EV charging stations.”
“Electric Vehicle usage is set to grow substantially over the next few years and we must continue preparing the network to support and encourage travel across the state.”
“Decarbonising our transport network is a big part of how we tackle climate change, and electric cars will definitely be part of the mix moving forward.”
“I encourage all interested local community groups, businesses and council to apply for the Destination Charging Across Victoria grants to ensure travellers in our area have the power they need.”
5 July 2021