)
A $55 million package from the Queensland Government is set to supercharge clean transport uptake in the state, with the funding including a $3,000 subsidy for anyone buying an electric vehicle (EV).
Announced today by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, the Queensland Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy 2022-2032 (ZEV) is part of the state’s mission to hit net-zero by 2050 and is expected to make EVs more affordable.
“We are going to make the cost of buying electric cars just that little bit cheaper,” the Premier said.
“My government will provide a $3,000 subsidy for anyone buying an electric vehicle to the value of $58,000.”
The $55 million ZEV strategy includes:
- $45 million for $3,000 incentives for upfront EV purchases
- $10 million for charging infrastructure
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said this was an important step toward making Queensland a global leader in the world’s low-emissions future, and becoming a renewable energy superpower.
“This will see Queenslanders get money back for switching to electric vehicles, and the Palaszczuk Government build more charging infrastructure across the Sunshine State,” Bailey said.
“We revolutionised electric vehicle travel through the Queensland Electric Super Highway, which is currently being expanded to almost 3800km, and now Queenslanders will have even more charging stations to use.
“Not only does this encourage people to buy electric vehicles, it gives the automotive industry confidence to set up shop in Queensland. This strategy signals a fundamental shift in our transport system.”
Bailey said the state was already reaping the benefits from the government’s commitment that by 2025 every new urban bus added to the SEQ fleet would be zero-emissions.
“We’ve seen local manufacturers like Bustech at Burleigh, and Volgren in Eagle Farm thrive since we made that commitment, because it gave them certainty,” he said.
“Brisbane based Tritium was supported by Queensland’s first EV strategy and is now excelling into the US electric vehicle market – demonstrating the power behind the EV sector. It’s creating highly-skilled local manufacturing jobs.
“Queensland is one of the sunniest and windiest places on earth and can become a renewable energy superpower, creating a sustainable jobs boom.”
QLD Environment Minister Meghan Scanlon said encouraging the take-up of EVs would help to drive down transport emissions in the state and support new jobs in new industries.
“Transport is the second biggest emitter in Queensland but is rapidly evolving to embrace zero emissions technology,” Scanlon said.
“In just a few short years we’ve seen the demand for EVs come up, the cost of EV technology come down, more EV businesses in Queensland and more EV infrastructure come online.
“And this is another step to help Queenslanders who want to get into the seat of an electric vehicle.”
According to Drive.com.au there are only six EVs in the Australian market that are cheaper than $58,000, including the MG ZS EV, BYD Atto 3 and the Hyundai Ioniq Electric.
Get our daily business news
Sign up to our free email news updates.
)
)
)
)
)
