Second-hand electric vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure have been added to the ACT Government’s $150 million Sustainable Household Scheme.

“These new additions focus on helping Canberrans to try new, sustainable transport options – and they assist in making them more affordable,” Shane Rattenbury, Emissions Reduction Minister, said.

Under the Scheme, households can borrow up to $15,000 interest free to purchase solar panels, batteries, efficient electric appliances, and zero emission vehicles.

The Government believes that adding home EV charging infrastructure and second-hand EVs to the Scheme will encourage more Canberrans to purchase zero emissions vehicles.

“Including second-hand electric vehicles helps ensure it’s not just people who can afford a brand-new car who benefit from government incentives,” Mr Rattenbury said.

“It’s an important equity issue, and it helps bring the cheaper running costs of EVs to more people, as well as improving air quality for everyone. 

“The infrastructure you need to charge an EV at home can put people off getting their own EV, so we’re pleased to be making these upgrades eligible for interest-free loans, too.”

New owners of second-hand EVs in the ACT will also save on their registration costs. Vehicle registration for second-hand EVs purchased in the Territory will cost nothing for two years. This builds on the ACT Government’s election commitment to provide two years of free registration to purchases of new EVs.

There will be a phased rollout of items that can be bought via loans from the Sustainable Household Scheme once the eligibility criteria for items are settled and providers are registered.

“The ACT is striving towards net zero emissions by 2045, and working with the community on clean, sustainable transport is a key part of that,” Mr Rattenbury said.

Andrew Barr, ACT Chief Minister and Minister for Climate Action, said he believed that more Canberrans should benefit from the Territory’s transition to a zero net emission future.

Mr Barr promised the ACT Government would take action on climate change by reducing emissions from its public transport fleet and investing in the Big Canberra Battery.

Visit actsmart.act.gov.au for more information about the Sustainable Households Scheme and the ACT Government’s climate action policies.

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