Peter Gutwein,
Premier and Minister for Climate Change,
Today's launch of our nation-leading state-wide Electric Vehicle Fast Charge Network has once again confirmed Tasmania is a leader in climate action as we transition to a low emissions economy.
Tasmania is ideally placed to benefit from the rise in electric vehicle users and new technology on our roads, and our state-wide electric charging network is now capable of ensuring mid-range electric vehicles can travel nearly everywhere around the state. The Network comprises 14 fast chargers, from Geeveston to Scottsdale, and Queenstown to Burnie, as well as the Midlands in between, and it will continue to grow over time as the number of EVs increases.
With Tasmania now being 100 per cent self-sufficient in renewable energy, and committed to increasing this to 200 per cent of our current needs by 2040, there is no doubt we are ideally suited to electric vehicles.
It is clear that transport globally is undergoing a transition towards low emissions vehicles, and we are ensuring we have the infrastructure and networks in place so that Tasmanians, and visitors, alike can benefit.
We will continue to support the uptake of electric vehicles, which is why we have invested around $600,000 to support the establishment of the Network which has stimulated $2.5 million in investment in charging infrastructure through our ChargeSmart Grants Program.
Our funding has supported the establishment of 14 fast chargers across Tasmania, as well as 23 workplace and destination chargers.
Well done to Electric Highway Tasmania and all others involved in developing the state-wide Network, and I look forward to it supporting more Tasmanians get around our State in the years ahead.
