The Federal Government is turbocharging the nation’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs) with $76 million in funding aimed at increasing EV accessibility and supporting associated infrastructure.
The initiative, announced by Federal Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen at the Smart Energy 2024 Conference, is set to drive the deployment of thousands of electric cars, trucks and charging stations across the country.
A $50 million investment by the Clean Energy Finance Corporation will enable Angle Auto Finance, Australia’s largest independent auto financier, to provide short-term loans for dealerships to purchase of 20,000 new EVs over the next two years.
In addition, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency will contribute more than $4 million to Europcar to add 3100 passenger EVs to its Australian fleet within three years. Europcar will also collaborate with Ampol to install 256 chargers across 41 rental locations.
The funding package also includes $22 million to support the electrification of logistics fleets and local government vehicles in Western Australia. Other WA initiatives within the funding include the deployment of 30 electric trucks by Centurion, the transition of 129 light EVs for 22 local governments, and the introduction of nine battery-electric vehicle terminal trucks at the Port of Fremantle.
Minister Bowen emphasised the Government’s commitment to increasing the availability and affordability of EVs for households and businesses.
“The Albanese Government is committed to increasing the availability and accessibility of cheaper to run cars,” he said. “The announcement is a massive boost for motorists, local governments and businesses, as well as charging infrastructure.”
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