Electric vehicle resources for local government
Funded through LGA’s Local Government Research and Development Scheme, the study led by the City of Mitcham in collaboration with the City of Charles Sturt, offers insights into where councils can add value, reduce emissions and ensure community access to clean transport infrastructure.
The report finds local governments are uniquely positioned to improve access to EV charging and reduce the infrastructure rollout costs through innovations such as using existing assets and surplus renewable energy generated from virtual power plants.
Local government may be able to play a key role in existing planning to support good urban design as EV charging scales.
With 750 chargers already in place across the state and EV uptake expected to rise, this work provides practical considerations to help councils navigate the transition.
Several South Australia councils are already supporting electric vehicle transition, embedding EV initiatives into broader sustainability and liveability goals. This includes fleet electrification, workplace EV charging and public charging stations.
EV resource pack helping councils take the next step
At the same time, a new Electric Vehicle Resource Pack is now available to help those councils taking the next step in supporting the shift to cleaner transport in their communities.
Developed by the Electric Vehicle Council in partnership with the City of Ryde, the toolkit provides practical guidance, policy templates and case studies for local governments if considering an uptake in electric vehicles (EVs).
The toolkit outlines eight key policy areas councils can focus on, from setting sustainability targets and electrifying fleets, to increasing community charging infrastructure and supporting public awareness.
Electric Vehicle Council Senior Policy Officer Cameron Rimington said local government leadership is vital in driving Australia’s EV future.
“All change starts local and there are many ways councils stand to benefit from supporting EVs—from boosting local tourism, to helping residents save up to $3,000 a year on fuel and maintenance, to cutting emissions for cleaner air and healthier communities.
“Many councils are already leading the charge in the EV transition including through emissions-based parking fees, driving fully electric garbage trucks, and partnering with private EV charging providers. At the same time, many local councils are eager to support their communities’ shift to electric vehicles but aren’t sure where to begin.
LGA South Australia encourages members to explore the toolkit and consider how these insights can support planning and policy decisions.