The Victorian Government has announced it will introduce a subsidy of up to $3,000 for new Zero Emissions Vehicles (ZEV), including hydrogen vehicles, as part of a plan to reach net zero emissions in road transport by 2050.
The Australian Hydrogen Council – a peak representative body with various industry members including Air Liquide, Daimler and Viva Energy – has welcomed the state government’s focus on developing a ZEV fleet to meet its net zero target by 2050.
“These incentives to drive ownership of ZEVs will encourage vehicle manufacturers to make a wider range of these vehicles available to the Australian market,” said Australian Hydrogen Council CEO, Dr Fiona Simon.
“As a result of this, prices will fall for consumers.
“Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are being proven around the world and will become widespread in Australia but there is a need to develop more hydrogen refuelling stations to facilitate the uptake of FCEVs for domestic vehicles.
“This will also spur growth in the heavy transport sector where hydrogen has the potential to significantly reduce emissions.
“We look forward to working with the Victorian Government to develop feasibility studies and further support its Hydrogen Industry Development Plan to advance hydrogen production and export capabilities across Victoria.”
In related news, gas and engineering company BOC partnered with Toyota to produce a new $7.4 million Hydrogen Centre at Altona in Melbourne’s west.
