ACT releases zero emission vehicle action plan

The ACT Government has announced an action plan to guide the territory’s transition to zero emission electric vehicles.

The plan, released by Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability Shane Rattenbury and Minister for Transport and City Services Meegan Fitzharris, includes a government commitment to adopting a zero emission vehicle fleet.

Under the plan, at least half of all newly leased ACT Government fleet passenger vehicles will be zero emission by FY20, increasing to 100% where fit for purpose the following year.

New charging infrastructure will be deployed across the territory on major routes to and from Canberra, and the plan will require all new multi-unit and mixed-use developments to install such infrastructure going forward.

The plan also introduces incentives for consumers to purchase and use zero emission vehicles and e-bikes.

“Through this action plan, the ACT Government will cement itself as the national leader in zero emissions vehicles. Tackling climate change means tackling transport pollution, and zero emission vehicle vehicle technology is a key part of this,” Rattenbury said.

Zero emission vehicles already don’t incur stamp duty and receive a 20% discount on registration fees. A new incentive introduced under the action plan would also allow all zero emission vehicles to drive in transit lanes until 2023.

Fitzharris noted that increased uptake of electric vehicles will be required to allow the ACT Government to meet its sustainability goals.

“By 2020 the ACT will be powered by 100% renewable electricity meaning our biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions — at over 60% — will come from transport,” she said.

“We’re undertaking a trial of two battery electric buses and a hybrid bus running on diesel, we have an e-bike fleet for ACT public servants to use and we’re facilitating installation of charging points across the city.”

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/janifest

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