The Brumby Labor Government has joined a push from an influential group of businesses and governments from all over the world to help drive the uptake of electric vehicles.
Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas said the Government was working with other members of the group, known as EV20, to assist with its aim of having one million electric vehicles deployed internationally, representing 20 per cent of all light vehicle sales by 2020.
“We are committed to making this state an electric vehicle friendly location and we understand how important cleaner, greener and innovative travel options are to Victorians,” Mr Pallas said.
“Victoria has signed a memorandum of understanding with EV20 to help speed up the global use of plug-in electric vehicles in our state and across the globe.
“The Government’s $5 million trial of electric vehicles will play a big part in getting Victoria ready for their future roll out, while also providing real world understanding of how an electric vehicle market will work, both here and internationally.
“Our electric vehicle trial is groundbreaking – it will model a complete market from vehicle choice, recharge infrastructure type and location, impacts on electricity generation and distribution, fleet operations and the behavioural characteristics of electric vehicle drivers.
“The trial will provide Victoria with a wealth of information and through our membership of EV20 we will now be able to share this globally.”
EV20 is convened by the international climate change coalition, The Climate Group, and has a three year work plan focused on key areas including:
- Mobilising new fleet procurements totalling one million by 2015
- Set policy targets to support the development of electric vehicle markets
- Encourage finance providers to back infrastructure including batteries and recharge
- Making the economic, environmental and social case for an electric vehicle future aimed at speeding up electric vehicle deployment
Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings said the Government’s electric vehicle trial represented one part of a raft of measures to encourage the shift to electric vehicles.
“The invitation to join EV20 recognises Victoria’s leadership in addressing climate change through the state’s Climate Change White Paper, which includes specific initiatives to support electric vehicles,” Mr Jennings said.
“We are providing support for local design and manufacture of EV technologies, establishing a target to reduce our overall fleet emissions by 20 per cent by 2015 and making electric vehicles eligible for a $100 registration fee discount.”
The Climate Group is a coalition of governments and the influential international businesses, all committed to tackling climate change.
