Tasmania will soon boast 11 new public charging stations for electric vehicles as part of ongoing efforts to support cleaner transport options.
The expansion comes via the third round of the ChargeSmart grants program, which provides up to $50,000 for the installation of new charging infrastructure.
Environment Minister Madeleine Ogilvie said the upgrade addresses growing demand as electric vehicles become more popular.
“Electric vehicles are growing in popularity in Tasmania, which is great. But some charging stations are either approaching capacity, or will get there in the near future,” Ogilvie said.
The latest $550,000 investment brings the total ChargeSmart funding to $1.85 million, having already delivered 33 fast chargers and 46 workplace chargers across the island state.
“We want to make sure that wherever you are in Tassie, you can easily locate and conveniently use a public charging station,” Ogilvie said.
The program forms part of the government’s Transport Emissions Reduction and Resilience Plan 2024-29, targeting Tasmania’s second-highest source of greenhouse gas emissions.
Transport currently accounts for 22% of Tasmania’s total emissions, presenting a significant opportunity for improvement through increased electric vehicle adoption.
“More EVs on our streets are better for the climate and environment and create more pleasant walking and driving experiences,” Ogilvie added.
The expanded network aims to eliminate ‘range anxiety’ – the fear of running out of power before reaching a charging station – which remains a barrier to EV adoption in regional areas.
