What is the Zero Emissions Vehicles Commercial Sector Innovation Fund?
The Zero Emissions Vehicles Commercial Sector Innovation Fund (CSIF) is a program that aims to increase the uptake of zero emission vehicle (ZEV) technology in commercial settings and encourage the use of ZEV technology in Victoria.
Background
The Victorian Government is taking strong action to reduce Victoria’s greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. This includes significant commitments toward the decarbonisation of the transport sector through Victoria’s Climate Change Strategy, the supporting Transport Sector Pledge and the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Roadmap. These include:
- A policy target of reaching 50 per cent of new light vehicle sales being ZEVs by 2030
- Establishing an expert panel to provide advice on the policies and programs required to reach the sales target.
- A $46 million subsidy program to reduce the cost of new ZEVs to consumers
- Committing $19 million to accelerate the roll-out of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across regional Victoria and support the charging of EV fleets
- Increasing the uptake in ZEVs in the Victorian Government fleet to 400 by 2023.
- A trial of zero emission bus technology to support a move to 100 per cent ZEV bus purchases for public transport services from 2025.
The Zero Emission Vehicle Commercial Sector Innovation Fund (CSIF) is a $5 million program within this package that seeks to accelerate the uptake of ZEV technology in commercial settings including the commercial passenger vehicle, freight and infrastructure industries. It was funded as part of the Victorian Budget 2021/22.
The CSIF will fast track the industry to cutting emissions and tackling climate change by driving innovation and new ideas. The CSIF aims to encourage the use of ZEV technology by providing grants to applicants to pilot and trial ZEV technology as well as increasing business readiness for broader uptake of ZEVs.
Objective
The Zero Emissions Vehicles Commercial Sector Innovation Fund aims to encourage the use of Zero Emissions Vehicles technology by providing grants to applicants to pilot and/or trial ZEV technology and increase business readiness for an uptake of ZEVs.
Funding
The maximum grant amount is $2 million. Each proposal will be assessed individually and decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Eligible Projects
A wide range of innovative proposals is sought to accelerate the take-up of ZEVs in the commercial sector in Victoria. Proposals are also sought from a diverse range of commercial settings such as commercial passenger vehicles, freight and infrastructure industries.
Co-funding of proposals is encouraged to demonstrate value-for-money. Agreements funded through CSIF grants must be completed by mid-2023 unless otherwise agreed.
The fund will consider a range of proposals including:
- direct purchase incentives for ZEVs for commercial fleets or collective purchasing arrangements
- trials of ZEV technology with specific commercial users/uses (eg. wheelchair-accessible ZEVs or waste collection vehicles)
- development and implementation of training to assist the industry’s transition to ZEVs
- support for vehicle-charging infrastructure within fleet depots
- business case development.
Eligible Applicants
The CSIF is open to any non-government business or organisation in Victoria. Applicants may apply individually or jointly. Where a project involves more than one applicant, the lead organisation should submit the application, but all applicants may contribute to project expenditure to meet any cocontribution requirements.
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for assistance under the program:
- Be a business with an Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Be financially solvent and able to supply evidence of the ability to meet any co-contribution requirements
- Have an operating presence in Victoria
- Agree to conduct the majority of proposed activities in Victoria
All EOIs will be assessed against the same weighting criteria.
The Panel will consider:
- Project Drivers — what are the key motivating factors behind the project and reasons for its inception.
- Deliverability — the expected likelihood and quality of delivering what is being proposed.
- Benefits — how will the environment, industry, Government or the Victorian community benefit.
- Funding — what funds are being sought from Government. What funds are being or have already been invested.
- Knowledge sharing — how is it proposed that learnings from the proposal are understood, evaluated and shared.
Timing
Applications close 18 February 2022.
