State Government is encouraging Victorian business and industry to help kickstart investment in Zero Emissions Vehicles (ZEVs) and reduce the transport sector’s carbon footprint as part of a plan to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
The Andrews Government today opened expressions of interest for a new $5 million Zero Emissions Vehicles Commercial Sector Innovation Fund as part of a $100 million package to accelerate the transition to cleaner vehicles.
Business will drive the scheme 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 seek to encourage businesses to invest in Zero Emission Vehicles technology by offering grants to eligible applicants.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Ben Carroll, highlighted the importance of the investment.
“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,” Mr Carroll said.
“This is not only another step towards achieving zero emissions, but it also creates jobs and proves a boost to the economy.”
Fleet vehicles provide an opportunity for operational savings for fleet owners and operators, and because fleets make up around 50% of new car sales, transitioning Victoria’s fleets to ZEVs will help reduce 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.
Minister for energy, environment and climate change, Lily D’Ambrosio emphasised the significance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector.
“This initiative will drive quick uptake of zero emission vehicle technology in commercial settings as we work towards halving Victoria’s emission by 2030,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.
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.
An Expert Advisory Panel has been established to advise the Government on what additional new policies, programs and investments are required to successfully reduce Victoria’s transport emissions.
