CANBERRANS can now apply to access zero-interest loans for the purchase of zero-emission vehicles.

According to the ACT government, the expansion will start with a small number of electric vehicles and more will be added over time in an effort to hit net-zero emissions in Canberra by 2045.

A range of new and used electric vehicle dealerships have already signed up as participants.

“Transport is the largest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions in the ACT,” said emissions reduction minister Shane Rattenbury.

“With two years free registration and zero stamp duty on emission free vehicles already in place in the ACT, this initiative makes it even easier for Canberran households to reduce their emissions.”

The loans form part of the ACT government’s sustainable household scheme, which also offers Canberrans interest free loans of up to $15,000 on solar power facilities for the home.

More than 2000 households have applied to have sustainable upgrades installed in their homes with around $20 million in loan applications received so far.

The scheme did however cause concerns from some solar-power company operators who said interstate companies were using the loans to take advantage of Canberra households.

More information on the loans and how to apply can be found here.