The Tasmanian Government will provide $300,000 in funding under the Deliver-E program, aimed at reducing emissions by replacing both the last-mile and short-to-medium delivery of goods with electric alternatives.
Small businesses can apply for grants of $2,500 to purchase a cargo e-bike and $20,000 to purchase an electric delivery van – capped at $25,000 per business.
Tasmanian Minister for the Environment, Madeleine Ogilvie, encouraged Tasmanian businesses to make the switch to clean and green ‘Deliver-E’s’.
“Everyone stands to benefit through more electric vehicles (EV) in our streets,” she said.
Ms Ogilvie said more EVs mean less emissions and less noise pollution, particularly in urban areas. Cargo e-bikes also promote active transport, which carries several additional health and wellbeing benefits.
“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.”
Jon Ettershank, Tasmanian Director of the Australian Electric Vehicle Association (AEVA), and Ahmet Bektas, Owner of Teros, a Hobart green lifestyle shop selling e-bikes, welcomed the grants.
Mr Ettershank said while EVs are cheaper to maintain and operate than hybrid and internal combustion vehicles, many have a higher entry cost.
“These grants will reduce that financial barrier, accelerating their adoption in Tasmania.”
Mr Bektas said, “Deliver-E will encourage more small businesses to make the switch to clean and green deliveries, making our urban areas cleaner, quieter, and less congested.”
“Small businesses make up the bulk of last-mile deliveries and we know they need a helping hand at this stage of the EV transition,” Electric Vehicle Council Senior Policy Officer, Cameron Rimington, said.
The Tasmanian Government said 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.
