The Tasmanian Liberal Government is supporting electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the state as part of our commitment to transition towards a low-emissions economy.
Today, I am launching a second Electric Vehicle ChargeSmart Grants program, providing $600,000 for electric vehicle fast and destination charging stations in regional Tasmania and at key tourism destinations, in line with our first 100 days plan.
Tasmania has already cemented its reputation as a climate leader – we were the first state in Australia to reach net zero emissions and we’ve reached our 2050 target early for five years in a row and for six years out of seven.
This second ChargeSmart Grants round will offer individual grants of up to $50,000 towards fast charging stations, and individual grants of up to $2,500 towards destination charging stations.
The previous program supported the installation of 14 fast chargers and 23 destination and workplace chargers across the state, and this new program will aim to fill in some of the gaps in between.
Tasmania is ideally suited to benefit from a growing electric vehicle market. When powered by our locally-produced renewable energy, electric vehicles can be cheaper to run, reduce transport emissions and improve air quality.
We want to encourage even more Tasmanians and visitors to get out and explore Tasmania as we secure Tasmania’s future, and this program will boost our state’s reputation as a preferred tourism destination for electric vehicle owners.
Importantly, this program complements our existing initiatives, including transitioning the government fleet to electric vehicles by 2030, a two-year stamp duty waiver for electric vehicles, and two-year free registration for hire car companies that purchase an electric vehicle.
For more information, go to http://www.dpac.tas.gov.au/divisions/climatechange/Climate_Change_Priorities/reducing_emissions/transport/chargesmart_grants