The Australian Capital Territory (ACT), home to the nation’s capital Canberra, leads the country in electric vehicle (EV) adoption.
With a penetration rate similar to California’s, over 20% of new car registrations in Canberra were EVs by the end of 2023. This represents a significant achievement, as it is double the national average, with over 8,000 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) registered in the city.
Growing EV Presence
The presence of electric vehicles is increasingly visible on Canberra’s roads. Teslas are the most prevalent, but BYD is gaining ground with three BEV models now available.
Other brands like MG, Volvo, Kia, and Cupra are also making appearances, driven by recent petrol price hikes that have made EVs even more appealing to consumers.
Notably, Cupra chose Canberra for the launch of its Born model, recognizing the city’s progressive stance on EV adoption.
Several factors contribute to Canberra’s remarkable EV uptake. The Clean Energy Regulator reports that over 57,000 home solar systems and nearly 4,000 solar system and battery combinations were installed in the ACT by early 2024.
Generous subsidies for solar systems, along with interest-free loans for batteries through the Sustainable Household Scheme, have incentivized residents to adopt renewable energy solutions, further enhancing the appeal of EVs.
Incentives and Charging Infrastructure
The ACT government offers a range of incentives to make EV ownership more accessible. These include a A$15,000 interest-free loan, two years of free registration, and stamp duty exemptions.
While many EV owners invest in dedicated charging infrastructure, others utilize standard power points for convenient home charging.
This flexibility, combined with the abundance of solar power, contributes to the growing popularity of EVs in the region.
The ACT government is committed to net zero emissions by 2045 and is actively working to transition away from fossil fuels.
It also supports initiatives like the Residential Strata EV Ready Pilot Study, which aims to address the challenges of installing charging stations in apartment buildings.
Moreover, the government plans to establish a new center of excellence for electric technologies, further solidifying Canberra’s position as a leader in the EV transition.
Renewable Energy and Emissions Goals
The ACT government is a driving force behind Canberra’s EV success, committing to 100% renewable energy by 2020 and net zero emissions by 2045.
This ambitious goal was achieved through the construction of solar farms and purchasing electricity from renewable sources outside the territory.
The unique geographical situation of the ACT, surrounded by New South Wales, highlights the historical rivalry between Melbourne and Sydney, which led to the ACT’s establishment halfway between them.
Recognizing the challenges of EV charging in multi-unit dwellings, the government is actively assisting local strata owners and managers through a pilot study.
This initiative aims to identify the necessary electrical infrastructure upgrades for apartment buildings to become “EV-ready,” addressing a key barrier to broader EV adoption.
Investing in EV Education and Training
The ACT is also investing in the future of the EV industry by positioning Canberra as a leader in electric technologies. The local Legislative Assembly is in talks with the federal government to establish a new center of excellence.
With a promised A$24 million in funding, the Canberra Institute of Technology’s EV training center would be expanded, increasing the number of skilled EV automotive technicians.
This initiative is crucial as the demand for EV technicians grows, evidenced by Tesla apprentices from across the country flying to Canberra for training.
In a groundbreaking move, the ACT is transitioning from a weight-based vehicle registration system to an emissions-based system for most light vehicles, starting from July 1, 2024.
This means lower registration fees for environmentally friendly vehicles, including zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and low-emission petrol and diesel vehicles.
This shift aims to benefit most private passenger vehicles (96%) and may inspire similar changes in other parts of Australia.
The Cybertruck’s Visit and Future Outlook
The recent display of the Tesla Cybertruck in Canberra further emphasizes the city’s commitment to electric mobility.
Although not yet available for sale in Australia due to local regulations, the Cybertruck’s presence highlights the growing interest and excitement surrounding EVs.
With the nation’s capital embracing electric vehicles and renewable energy at a rapid pace, there is hope that this progress will influence policymakers at the national level and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable transportation system across Australia.