Small businesses will be able to 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, 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.
Minister for the Environment, Madeleine Ogilvie, has encouraged Tasmanian businesses to make the switch to clean and green 'Deliver-E's'.
"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.
"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," Minister Ogilvie said.
Welcoming the grants were 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.
"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," AEVA Tasmanian Director Jon Ettershank 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," Teros Owner Ahmet Bektas said.
Australia's national body for the EV industry also welcomed the program.
"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.
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.
Applications for Deliver-E will open on February 6 on the website of ReCFIT located at: https://recfit.tas.gov.au/grants_programs
