The Territory has unveiled a plan to phase out cars with internal combustion engines in favour of zero emissions vehicles (ZEVs).
Releasing the ACT’s Zero Emissions Vehicles Strategy 2022-30, Minister for Climate Action, Andrew Barr said the Strategy would facilitate a smooth transition to ZEVs over the coming decade.
“[The] Strategy sets a new and ambitious target of 80-90 per cent of new light vehicles sales being ZEVs by 2030,” Mr Barr said.
“The Strategy also outlines our plan to start phasing out light internal combustion engine vehicles from 2035.”
He said the affordability of ZEVs remained a critical barrier for many people so, to address this, the Territory would expand Government financial incentives beyond what was currently on offer.
“We will continue our existing financial incentives to reduce some of the cost barriers to purchasing a zero-emission vehicle,” the Minister said.
“This includes stamp duty waivers, free vehicle registration and no-interest loans of up to $15,000 through the Sustainable Household Scheme (SHS),” he said.
“In addition, the Government will extend stamp duty waivers for buyers of used electric vehicles and hydrogen vehicles purchased from 1 August 2022, cutting the cost of an average second-hand vehicle by around $1,600.”
Mr Barr said the current fixed registration system was weight based and penalised heavier ZEV models despite their lower emissions, “this will be reformed with the goal of incentivising lower emissions.”
He said other actions under the Strategy included grants for the installation of EV charging infrastructure, expanding the ACT’s public EV charging network, and excluding new vehicles powered by fossil-fuels in taxi and ride-share fleets by 2030.
The 34-page Strategy can be accessed at this PS News link.
