The Andrews Labor Government is encouraging more Victorian-based businesses to make the switch to clean and sustainable transport with a grants program supporting the uptake of zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) technology in commercial settings.

Four grant recipients will lead the charge in the adoption of ZEV technology in the commercial sector as part of the Zero Emissions Vehicles Commercial Sector Innovation Fund. The fund is a $5 million Labor Government program which supports commercial organisations to pilot and trial ZEV technology.

The fund is providing organisations with grants for a range of projects in commercial settings including the automotive and freight industries.

Confirmed grant recipients include IVECO Trucks Australia who will receive $500,000 for work including upskilling employees to work on alternative fuel vehicles, and design and model modifications to existing electric vehicle components so they can be adapted to be suitable for use in Australia.

Mulgrave business, The Auto Innovation Centre (AIC) will receive $256,700 to equip the existing facility with ZEV infrastructure and deliver education programs to boost industry knowledge around the service, repair, manufacture and modification of ZEVs.

The centre will be equipped with electric vehicle charging infrastructure, insulated tools and equipment, safety gear, and workspaces appropriate for protecting people working with electric vehicles.

Evenergi will also receive $220,000 to develop a Victorian-specific website which brings together a range of resources to support fleet and sustainability managers to transition to electric vehicle fleets.

Brunswick Tool Library will receive $5,295 to purchase an electric cargo bicycle to deliver and collect tools.

The fund is a key component of Victoria’s Zero Emission Vehicle Roadmap which includes a $100 million package of policies and programs to ensure Victoria halves emissions by 2030 and is a leader in the adoption of zero emissions vehicles in Australia, supporting a legislated commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050.

ZEV vehicles, such as battery electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, have zero greenhouse gas tailpipe emissions making them better for the environment than petroleum fuel vehicles.

Quote attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll

“The automotive industry continues to quickly grow and evolve, and we need to ensure that those working in the industry have the skills to work on vehicles now and well into the future.”

Quote attributable to Minister for the Environment and Climate ActionLily D’Ambrosio

“We know transport accounts for 25 per cent of the state’s emissions so that’s why we are delivering a significant package of policies and programs to ensure we’re a leader in the adoption of Zero Emissions Vehicles in Australia.”