Australia’s capital, Canberra, is leading the transition to electric vehicles (EVs). There has been a significant increase in battery electric vehicles (BEVs) registered in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) in recent years. This blog post explores how battery-electric vehicles are taking Canberra by storm.
In this Section:
- ACT EV sales from 2020 to 2023.
- ACT Current EV Incentives.
- ACT EV charging station infrastructure.
- Should I catch up with this trend?
ACT EV sales from 2020 to 2023
According to Access Canberra, as of January 2020, only 446 battery-electric vehicles were registered with the ACT, accounting for 1 in 686 vehicles registered. But in just three years, by April 2023, that number had grown to 4,002. This is a staggering increase of almost nine times in just three years. Putting this in percentage POV, it is 796.88%, a nearly 800% surge in BEV registration. That is a good number to look at.
Several factors are likely responsible for this significant increase in EV sales. First, the ACT government’s ambitious goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 highlights the transition to clean energy and zero-emission transportation. This has implemented several incentives for EV owners that make switching to EVs more attractive.
ACT Current EV Incentives
The ACT government offers several EV incentives to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles. One of the key incentives is a stamp duty exemption for the first purchase of a zero-emission vehicle. This exemption will save buyers thousands of dollars when purchasing their new BEVs. New or used zero-emission cars (between 24 May 2021 and 30 June 2024) can apply for ACT-two years of free registration.
In addition, ACT-eligible households can also receive loans ranging from $2,000 to $15,000 to help purchase a zero-emission vehicle. These incentives have made EVs more affordable for people, contributing to a significant increase in EV sales in the region.
ACT EV charging station infrastructure
The availability of charging stations is one of the main concerns of people considering an electric vehicle. Fortunately, the ACT government is actively expanding charging infrastructure throughout the region. As of January 2023, the ACT has around 43 charging stations and 30 EV charging stations in Canberra. These EV charging stations offer both Level 2 and Level 3 chargers to power electric vehicles at a convenient location.
The government plans to install 77 charging stations across the region by 2023. Of these, 31 will be located in Canberra, where demand is highest. As part of the ACT Zero Emission Vehicle strategy, the aim is to expand the charging network to 180 public stations by 2025. This reduces charging times and helps tackle range anxiety among EV drivers.
To find Charging Stations in ACT check out EV charging stations ACT maps – powered by Plugshare.
Should I catch up with this trend?
The rise of electric vehicles in Canberra indicates they are going mainstream. Owning an electric vehicle will become easier and more convenient as charging stations become more available. Additionally, government incentives have purchased electric vehicles more affordable. In addition to economic benefits, electric vehicles also have obvious environmental benefits. They produce zero emissions and are a clean alternative to petrol and diesel vehicles. So, Buying an EV is worth considering if you want to reduce your carbon footprint and be part of Canberra’s growing EV community.
According to Minister Rattenbury, “We know the Canberra community is committed to taking action on climate change, with many people doing what they can cut emissions ways across the city. Transport emissions account for over 60% of ACT emissions, so reducing emissions from transport is a high priority. With our 100% renewable electricity supply, the shift to electric vehicles is a key part of shifting to zero-emissions transport alongside increased active travel and public transport use” (source: https://aeva.asn.au/articles/press-release-2022-conference-and-exhibition/).
In summary
To conclude, The rise of battery-electric vehicles in Canberra is a testament to the government’s commitment to a greener future. The availability of incentives and expanding charging networks have made owning an electric vehicle more accessible and affordable. It’s an exciting time for EV enthusiasts in Canberra, and the electric vehicle trend will continue. By investing in an electric vehicle, you can have a direct impact on the environment and your wallet. Not to mention the potential for reduced running costs and the added bonus of no more trips to the petrol station. Electric vehicles are a great way to reduce carbon emissions, save money and become part of the EV revolution. As the cost of electric vehicles continues to fall and the infrastructure for charging continues to expand, Canberra is well-positioned to become a leader in the transition to a low-emissions transport future.
