Smart grants get electric vehicles moving

IN this day and age, electric vehicles are becoming more popular than ever with sales on the rise around the country.

To keep up with the demand, the Tasmanian Government has launched a $50,000 ‘ChargeSmart’ grants program to assist eligible workplaces to pay for the upfront cost and installation of electric vehicle charging stations.

Minister for Environment Elise Archer recently visited the University of Tasmania Sandy Bay campus and announced it was one of the successful applicants for funding.

“ChargeSmart provides one-off grant funding of up to $5000 to workplaces to support the installation of these charging stations for use by their employees,” Ms Archer said.

“The Hodgman Liberal Government recognises that electric vehicles are becoming more common on Tasmanian roads and as their number increases, so will the benefits to the community.

“We want to support workplaces to prepare for the technology by increasing the availability of electric vehicle charging stations.”

Electric vehicles offer a number of advantages over conventional petrol or diesel engines.

They are cheaper to run, quieter and smoother to drive, and have zero emissions when powered from Tasmania’s renewable electricity sources.

“The ChargeSmart initiative is just part of the Tasmanian Government’s Climate Action 21 Plan to support electric vehicle uptake in the state, including improving the state’s electric vehicle charging network,” Ms Archer said.

As a result of the program, electric vehicle charging stations will be installed across a variety of workplaces including the local government, schools, private business and a Government Business Enterprise.

Caption: Minister for Environment Elise Archer, left, with UTAS pro vice-chancellor Margaret Otlowski and sustainability manager Corey Peterson.