Small businesses can apply for $2500 grants to buy a cargo e-bike and $20,000 to purchase an electric delivery van, says Tasmania environment minister Madeleine Ogilvie.
Grant applications open Thursday February 6 on the ReCFIT website.
Capped at $25,000 per business, and with $300,000 in funding available, the Deliver-E program aims to reduce emissions by replacing both the last-mile and short-to-medium delivery of goods with electric alternatives, Ogilvie says.
“Everyone stands to benefit through more electric vehicles in our streets.
“More EVs mean less emissions and less noise pollution, particularly in urban areas.
“Cargo e-bikes also promote active transport, which carries several health and wellbeing benefits,” says Ogilvie.
“Environmentally conscious businesses strengthen Tasmania’s brand as a clean and green place to do business, in line with our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future,” she says.
Welcoming the grants are Australian Electric Vehicle Association (AEVA) Tasmanian director Jon Ettershank and e-bike selling Hobart green lifestyle shop Teros owner Ahmet Bektas.
“While EVs are cheaper to maintain and operate than hybrid and internal combustion vehicles, many have a higher entry cost, says Ettershank, adding the grants will reduce that financial barrier, accelerating their adoption in Tasmania.
Bektas says Deliver-E will encourage more small businesses to make the switch to clean and green deliveries.
Electric Vehicle Council senior policy officer Cameron Rimington says small businesses comprise the bulk of last-mile deliveries and need a helping hand at this stage of the EV transition.
Deliver-E follows an earlier e-Mobility rebate, which was available only to individuals and resulted in $198,081 in grants being delivered to 501 people to purchase 56 e-scooters, 414 e-bikes, and 31 cargo e-bikes.
Join the conversation