The Premier made the announcement while releasing the new EV strategy Queensland Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy 2022-2032 which would help drive the state’s commitment of net-zero by 2050.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the investment would make electric vehicles more affordable for Queenslanders.
“We are going to make the cost of buying electric cars just that little bit cheaper,” the Premier said. “My government will provide a $3,000 subsidy for anyone buying an electric vehicle to the value of $58,000.”
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said this is an important step towards making Queensland a global leader in the world’s low-emissions future, and becoming a renewable energy superpower.
“We were the first Australian state to develop an EV strategy, and now we are once again leading the way with Queensland’s Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy 2022-2032,” he said.
“This will see Queenslanders get money back for switching to electric vehicles, as we build more charging infrastructure across the Sunshine State.
“The Queensland Electric Super Highway is currently being expanded to almost 3800km, and now Queenslanders will have even more charging stations to use.
“Not only does this encourage people to buy electric vehicles, it gives the automotive industry confidence to set up shop in Queensland.
“This strategy signals a fundamental shift in our transport system.”
Mr Bailey said Queensland is already reaping the benefits from the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment that by 2025 every new urban bus added to the SEQ fleet will be zero-emissions.
“We’ve seen local manufacturers like Bustech at Burleigh, and Volgren in Eagle Farm thrive since we made that commitment, because it gave them certainty,” he said.
“Brisbane based Tritium was supported by Queensland’s first EV strategy and is now excelling into the US electric vehicle market – demonstrating the power behind the EV sector.
“It’s creating highly-skilled local manufacturing jobs.
“Queensland is one of the sunniest and windiest places on earth and can become a renewable energy superpower, creating a sustainable jobs boom.”
Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Minister Mick de Brenni said the Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy would support more Queenslanders to make a contribution to transport emissions reduction.
“As a government we will be leaders too, taking direct action by supercharging our government fleet – QFleet, to become electric, going EV-first for all new vehicles where there is a suitable EV option,” Mr de Brenni said.
“Transforming the QFleet will save Queenslanders millions in fuel costs but most significantly, when they have done their service with frontline workers – our nurses, community carers and educators – these high quality, fully serviced, usually low kilometre used vehicles will be available for Queenslanders at highly affordable prices.
“That will deliver a clear signal and pipeline to car manufacturers, battery and minerals manufacturers and charging infrastructure manufacturers that Queensland is the place to grow their business and continue to build on our States’s successful jobs and economic results.”
Committed with the ZEV Strategy is:
- $45 million for $3000 incentives for upfront electric vehicle purchases
- $10 million for charging infrastructure.
For more information, visit https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/projects/electricvehicles/zero-emission-strategy.
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