$50m Energy Saver Loan Scheme available for Tasmanians to install EV charging stations

The push to switch over to an EV has powered up following the expansion of a state government scheme. What’s on offer.

Electric Vehicle charging Picture: Getty Images

There is hope that a newly expanded state government scheme will incentivise more Tasmanians to invest in electric vehicles, with no-interest loans of up to $10,000 now available for people to install charging infrastructure in their homes and businesses.

The $50m Energy Saver Loan Scheme (ESLS) has been broadened to include electric vehicle (EV) chargers, in addition to already eligible energy-efficient products such as solar panels, heat pumps, induction and ceramic electric stovetops, and double glazing upgrades and insulation for existing buildings.

One of the RAA electric vehicle (EV) fast charging outlets for households, launched this week as part of RAA's solar and battery services. Supplied.

Loans can be issued for amounts between $500 and $10,000 and are for terms lasting between 1-3 years, requiring fortnightly or monthly repayments. The scheme is administered by energy financing business Brighte, and more than 3000 loans have already been approved.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Roger Jaensch said adding EV chargers to the scheme meant it would complement the government’s Electric Vehicle Rebate, which provides $2000 grants for EV purchases.

“Now we have both the car and the charger covered. These incentives will help us get more cars off the road and reduce the number of trips we make using fossil fuels,” he said.

Nathan Bourke, the director of Genr8 Electrical, a Latrobe business that offers home installation of EV chargers, said his customers were “excited” to have the opportunity to “reduce their expenses and their carbon footprint” through participating in the scheme.

Labor MLC Luke Edmunds described the ESLS as “fine” but said it was cold comfort to people across the state who were struggling to pay their power bills.

“I think what Tasmanians want to see is action to make electricity use in households more affordable, not just for people who might have a Tesla,” he said.

Originally published as $50m Energy Saver Loan Scheme available for Tasmanians to install EV charging stations