The Victorian State Government says it is on track to deliver 400 zero emission vehicles (ZEV) to the Government fleet by 2023 as it drives towards its target of net zero emissions by 2050.
The 2021-22 Victorian Budget allocated $15 million to add 400 ZEVs to the government fleet over two years to upgrade and install electric vehicle supply equipment across government-owned and leased buildings.
Stage one of the program will replace 75 cars with ZEVs by 30 June 2022, with the second stage to see 325 replacements by 30 June 2023.
“We are transforming our energy system through an historic investment in renewable energy to meet our ambitious target of halving emissions by 2030, and electric vehicles have a critical role to play in meeting that commitment,” said Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio.
The Minister said the ZEV program was well progressed, with more than 100 ZEVs already ordered this financial year – the first of which have been delivered and are now in use by Victorian Government departments and agencies.
The transport sector accounts for 25% of Victoria’s total carbon emissions – electric vehicles will reduce emissions, while also reducing the amount of air and noise pollution, making our cities and towns more liveable, she said.
“Electric and zero-emissions vehicles are the future of transport and we’re paving the way with the first ZEVs entering the Victorian government fleet,” said Assistant Treasurer, Danny Pearson.
“These vehicles are part of our transition away from combustion powered vehicles to zero-emission vehicles and a clean energy future that’s better for health and our environment.”
In public transport, from 2025 all new buses will be zero emissions and the metropolitan train network will be powered by 100% renewable energy, similar to the Solar Trams Initiative already in place.
“Victoria is creating jobs and powering ahead in the transition to zero emissions transport, and our train, tram, bus and government car fleets are being transformed,” said Minister for Public Transport, Ben Carroll.
As part of the program of adding ZEVs across the government fleet, the initial focus is to purchase small to medium Sports Utility ZEVs, which are suitable replacements for existing small passenger vehicles.
Vehicle manufacturers have been engaged and are encouraged to make a submission to the Motor Vehicle State Purchase Contract in order to participate in the procurement of vehicles. For more information go to buyingfor.vic.gov.au/motor-vehicles-contract.
