The Territory’s Sustainable Household Scheme is to be expanded to allow participants to purchase second hand electric vehicles (EV) and home EV charging infrastructure.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the expansion would make interest free loans of up to $15,000 available to households to purchase solar panels, batteries, efficient electric appliances, and zero emission vehicles.
“Adding home EV charging infrastructure and second-hand EVs to the Scheme will encourage more Canberrans to consider purchasing a zero emissions vehicle – including second-hand zero emission vehicles,” Mr Barr said.
“New owners of second-hand electric vehicles in the ACT will also save on their registration costs, with the introduction of a zero cost for the vehicle registration component for second-hand EVs purchased in the Territory, for two years,” he said.
Mr Barr said there would be a phased rollout of items people could purchase via a loan from the Sustainable Household Scheme, once the eligibility criteria for items was settled and providers registered.
Minister for Emissions Reduction, Shane Rattenbury said the inclusion of second-hand EVs in the Scheme would ensure the incentives didn’t exclusively benefit people who could afford a brand new car.
“It’s an important equity issue, and it helps bring the cheaper running costs of EVs to more people, as well as improving air quality for everyone,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“The infrastructure you need to charge an EV at home can put people off getting their own EV, so we’re pleased to be making these upgrades eligible for interest-free loans, too,” he said.
