The Tasmanian government has announced that a $50 million energy save loan scheme will be provided to households and businesses currently switching to an electric vehicle (EV).
The scheme, which currently provides no-interest loans to eligible applicants to fund the purchase and installation of energy efficient products, will now be expanded to include EV charging infrastructure.
Tasmania energy and renewables minister Nick Duigan says that more than 3,000 families and businesses have already taken advantage of interest-free loans through the scheme for energy efficient upgrades.
“By expanding eligibility to EV charging infrastructure, we’re now taking the energy saver loan scheme out of the home and onto the roads, meaning we’re making an even bigger impact,” Duigan says.
“Importantly, the majority of projects already being rolled out under it has involved Tasmanian businesses, supporting them to employ more Tasmanians and grow our economy.”
Tasmania environment and climate change Roger Jaensch says it is doing what matters most for the state by developing innovative solutions as part of its lower emissions plan.
“The Tasmania government’s $1.2 million e-transport package offers rebates for the purchase of eligible electric vehicles and e-mobility devices,” Jaensch says.
“Besides the purchase price, first-time EV owners may also need to install charging infrastructure at their home or business.
“To assist with the up-front cost of making the switch, households, businesses and not-for-profit organisations can now take advantage of a no-interest loan of between $500 and $10,000 to install electric vehicle charging stations at their home or premises.”
Jaensch says that with its EV rebate program offering $2,000 to cover the purchase of these vehicles, the Tasmania government now has both the car and charger cost covered.
“These incentives will help us get more fuel-based cars off the road and reduce the number of trips we make using fossil fuels,” Jaensch says.