Putting 1,000 EVs in the hands of Australian businesses

The Albanese Government is helping businesses reduce the upfront costs of switching to EVs, with $6.2 million in funding towards an innovative project with Origin Energy which will see electric vehicles made available to their business customers.

As EVs become more affordable, more and more businesses are looking to electrify their fleet vehicles – taking advantage of the fuel savings and offering cleaner transport technology to their employees.

To fast track this take up, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is partnering with Origin Energy on their Accelerate EV Fleet program. This is an innovative program, in which Origin Energy will deliver 1000 electric vehicles and charging infrastructure to their business customers across Australia – supporting their customers and reducing start-up costs as they look to transition their own fleets.

This announcement is in addition to yesterday’s release of Australia’s first National Electric Vehicle Strategy, which will help to deliver cleaner, cheaper cars and better EV infrastructure, including chargers, around the country.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said this is another example of the Albanese Government’s work to partner with industry and look at innovative solutions to drive EV take up.

“The benefits of electric vehicles aren’t just for household consumers – we are already seeing enthusiasm from businesses to offer cleaner cars to their employees and drive down their fuel bill,” Minister Bowen said.

“EVs are cleaner and cheaper to run and can save thousands of dollars in annual fuel costs – the Albanese Government is thrilled to announce this investment to get more EV vehicles into the fleets of businesses that want them.”

This announcement comes off the back of the Electric Car Discount Bill which cuts up to $9000 a year in taxes on a $50,000 electric vehicle.