Australia has a new goal: to encourage the use of electric cars throughout the country.
New South Wales were first to take the step to establish Australia’s largest destination charging network by investing $20 million in grants to support the rollout of up to 3,500 electric vehicle chargers in the thousands of tourist destinations across NSW. These incentives are called Destination NSW.
And the Northern Territory Government soon followed suit and announced an investment package worth $300,000 for the installation of electric vehicle (EV) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs).
The big news? All Wallbox AC chargers are included.
The details
The NSW Government is putting in place grants and incentives for the purchase and installation of electric vehicle (EV) chargers in regional areas, providing up to 130km of charging range in one hour, as well as software to take advantage of the smart capabilities of each charger.
Funding can reach up to 75% of the cost of the charger, will be offered on a co-funded basis, and will cover a range of destinations across regional NSW. Motels, wineries, cafes, restaurants, natural attractions, visitor information centers, museums, and zoos, will all be eligible to apply for the grants.
And if you own an EV in NT, you can apply for the EV Charger Grants Scheme. The scheme allows for EV owners to access funding to buy and install a charger at their residential property or business.
Launched on July 1, 2022, the grant offers up to $1,000 for a residential property and $2,500 for a business.
The grant will be administered on a first-come, first-served basis, will applications now open.
You can apply if you meet the scheme terms and conditions and are an owner of an NT registered EV or a home owner or business owner that meets the property requirements relevant to you as either a residential or business owner.
A strategy that goes further
The Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Sam Farraway, commented that in addition, after installing EV chargers, they will develop a series of EV tourism drives across the state to promote sustainable travel across regional NSW, to “grow local economies and support small businesses in areas affected by Covid, bushfires, and flooding”.
$131 million will be invested in ultra-fast charging infrastructure and $20 million in EV charging in passenger parking lots, creating a premium statewide charging network.
This completes a strategy that aims to increase electric vehicle sales to 52% of all cars sold by 2030-31 and to be the vast majority by 2035.
Meanwhile the NT Government’s Electric Vehicle Charger Grant Scheme will provide 100 residential grants of $1000 and 80 business grants of $2500 to applicants with EVs and PHEVs – halving the cost of purchase and installation of most chargers.
On top of this, the State Government will also scrap stamp duty on new EVs and PHEVs worth up to $50,000 from July 1, 2022, until June 30, 2027, saving buyers up to $1500.
Northern Territory Chief Minister Natasha Fyles called it a “win” for the Territory and a crucial step towards achieving its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
“The [Northern] Territory Labor Government will continue to invest in new industries, expand business opportunities and create jobs for Territorians,” said Fyles.
“We are progressively working towards a target of 50 per cent renewables by 2030 and zero emissions by 2050. We are protecting and creating a sustainable environment for all Territorians to enjoy. Incentives and programs like this supports jobs and our environment.”
And now for the chargers…
The Electric Vehicle Council has partnered with the governments to create a list of AC chargers and approved electric vehicle charger software that are eligible for grants.
And all of our AC chargers currently available in Australia are eligible:
