Victorian business and industry will be encouraged to help kickstart investment in Zero Emissions Vehicles and reduce the transport sector’s carbon footprint as part of a plan to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

The Andrews Labor Government opened expressions of interest for a new $5 million Zero Emissions Vehicles Commercial Sector Innovation Fund as part of an $100 million package to accelerate the transition to cleaner vehicles.

Business will drive the scheme, with the best, most innovative and cost-effective proposals attracting funding to boost Zero Emissions Vehicle purchases in commercial settings.

Commercial vehicles currently account for about 36 per cent of transport sector emissions in Victoria and the Fund will provide targeted support to encourage businesses to invest in Zero Emission Vehicles technology by offering grants to eligible applicants.

Fleet vehicles in particular offer a great opportunity for ZEV innovation. ZEVs can deliver operational savings for fleet owner/operators, and because fleets make up around 50% of new car sales, transitioning Victoria’s fleets to ZEVs will really help to reduce our transport emissions.

The CSIF will further encourage the uptake of ZEV technology in commercial settings including the commercial passenger vehicle, freight, service-sector and infrastructure industries.

Grants will be available through an Expression of Interest (EOI) process. A wide range of innovative proposals will be welcomed, including trials of ZEV technology with specific commercial uses, such as wheelchair-accessible vehicles, vehicle-charging infrastructure and development and training that will accelerate the industry’s transition to Zero Emission Vehicles.

Last year, the Labor Government announced that Volgren will build zero and low emissions buses for the new Metropolitan Bus Franchise, Kinetic, which will create more than 60 new jobs in Melbourne’s south-east.

The Government also recently announced the $20 million Zero Emission Bus Project to support the transition to zero emissions buses, and has already funded a Zero Emissions Vehicle subsidy program and more charging infrastructure across Melbourne and regional Victoria.

An Expert Advisory Panel has also been established to advise the Government on what additional new policies, programs and investments are required to successfully reduce Victoria’s transport emissions.

For further information on eligibility and proposal submission visit https://transport.mysocialpinpoint.com/csif

Applications will close on 18 February 2022.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll

“Reducing emissions in our transport sector is vital to reaching our net zero emissions target and this Fund will encourage the commercial sector to play a leading role in identifying innovative, practical and cost-effective solutions.”

“This is not only another step towards achieving zero emissions, but it also creates jobs and proves a boost to the economy.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“The transport sector is one of the most significant contributors to our greenhouse gas emissions.”

“This initiative will drive quick uptake of zero emission vehicle technology in commercial settings as we work towards halving Victoria’s emission by 2030.”