Small businesses in Tasmania are set to benefit from a new initiative aimed at accelerating the transition to zero-emission electric delivery vehicles. The Deliver-E program will provide grants of $2,500 for the purchase of cargo e-bikes and up to $20,000 for an electric delivery van, helping businesses cut emissions and operating costs.
With $300,000 in funding available, businesses can apply for grants up to $25,000 per entity, encouraging the shift to cleaner last-mile and short-to-medium distance deliveries. This initiative aligns with Tasmania’s broader environmental strategy and commitment to sustainable business practices.
Government Backs Green Deliveries
Minister for the Environment, Madeleine Ogilvie, urged Tasmanian businesses to seize this opportunity to transition to clean and green deliveries.
“Everyone stands to benefit from more electric vehicles on our streets,” Minister Ogilvie said.
“More EVs mean fewer emissions and reduced noise pollution, particularly in urban areas. Cargo e-bikes also promote active transport, delivering health and wellbeing benefits alongside environmental gains.
“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.”
Industry Experts Welcome the Initiative
The grants have been met with enthusiasm from electric vehicle advocates and business owners alike. Jon Ettershank, Tasmanian Director of the Australian Electric Vehicle Association (AEVA), highlighted the potential of Deliver-E to accelerate EV adoption.
“While EVs are cheaper to maintain and operate than hybrid and internal combustion vehicles, their higher entry cost remains a barrier. These grants will help reduce that financial hurdle, making them more accessible for small businesses,” Ettershank said.
Supporting the move to electric transport, Ahmet Bektas, Owner of Teros, a Hobart-based green lifestyle shop specialising in e-bikes, emphasised the positive impact on urban areas.
“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,” Bektas said.
National EV Industry Support
The Electric Vehicle Council (EVC), Australia’s peak body for the EV industry, also applauded the initiative.
“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,” Cameron Rimington, EVC Senior Policy Officer, said.
Building on Tasmania’s e-Mobility Progress
Deliver-E follows Tasmania’s earlier e-Mobility rebate, which was targeted at individuals. That program delivered $198,081 in grants to 501 recipients, funding 56 e-scooters, 414 e-bikes, and 31 cargo e-bikes.
The expansion to business fleets recognises the growing role of commercial transport in Tasmania’s sustainability efforts and will help further reduce emissions in the logistics and delivery sector.
How to Apply
Applications for the Deliver-E grants open on February 6 and will be available through ReCFIT at: https://recfit.tas.gov.au/grants_programs.
Small businesses keen to embrace zero-emission transport should act quickly, as funding is limited to $300,000 and demand is expected to be high.
