The Andrews Labor Government is supercharging the state’s zero emissions vehicle journey with $5 million for a fast-charging network and $3 million in new charging grants for local council and business fleets.

The Destination Charging Across Victoria Program will mean that drivers in any Victorian town will now be 1 hour away from a fast-charger, with 141 electric vehicle fast-charging stations being installed across the state.

Destinations include shopping complexes, public parks, community centres, libraries, and tourist hot spots such as the Great Ocean Road, Melbourne Zoo, the MCG, and Queen Victoria Market.

The initiatives − part of Victoria’s $100 million Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Roadmap − will significantly ramp up the state’s charging infrastructure and make it easier for Victorians to purchase an electric vehicle.

Most importantly, the investment will create jobs for workers installing charging stations, including electricians and technicians.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio announced the funding along with easier access to the state’s $3,000 zero emission vehicle subsidy – which is now available at the point of sale.

The EV Charging for Council Fleets and EV Charging for Business Fleets programs will provide up to $3 million in grant funding for fleet infrastructure for local councils and businesses.

Victoria’s ZEV Roadmap is the most comprehensive plan of its kind in Australia and will help Victoria hit its ZEV target of 50 per cent of all new light vehicle sales by 2030, a key part of halving our emissions by 2030 as we work towards our target of net-zero emissions by 2050.

There has been a 200 per cent increase in average monthly ZEV sales in the six months since the program started. More than 1,500 Victorians have already taken advantage of the subsidy, particularly in the western suburbs, with Point Cook and Truganina among the leading suburbs.

Local councils and businesses are encouraged to apply for fleet charging grants before applications close on Friday 21 January 2022. To apply visit energy.vic.gov.au/renewable-energy/zero-emissions-vehicles, and find out more on the ZEV Subsidy at solar.vic.gov.au/zero-emissions-vehicle-subsidy

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

“By expanding critical charging infrastructure for the public, local councils, and businesses, we are laying the groundwork for our target of 50 per cent of all new light vehicle sales to be zero emissions by 2030.”

“This is about accelerating the take-up of zero-emissions technology – which creates jobs and a greener state.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Public Transport, Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll

“The transport sector is the second largest contributor to Victoria’s emissions and our investments are tackling this − making zero emissions vehicles a vehicle for change.”