The City of Ryde is encouraging motorists to make the switch to electric vehicles (EVs) by committing to a raft of new initiatives that will support the introduction of more EV charging infrastructure.
At its April meeting, Council resolved to support the installation of EV charging infrastructure as a measure to help reduce emissions and help with the uptake of EV use in the City of Ryde.
As part of t his Council will.
• Review existing and future urban renewal projects to include EV charging infrastructure for community use • Undertake a review of current planning controls and travel plan guidelines that supports the mandatory installation of charging in frastructure as part of new developments, in particular multi -dwelling developments and retrofit projects • Investigate funding options for the potential to install EV charging infrastructure in at least 18 Council -owned locations across the City of Ryde • Con tinue to investigate funding programs, incentives and possible future charging partnership programs applicable to lower and zero emission vehicles technology to support increasing services across the City of Ryde at low or no cost to Council.
Local research shows that one of the main detractors for people switching to EVs is the lack of public charging infrastructure available. To overcome that, Council has committed to increasing the amount of EV charging infrastructure available to the commun ity with the ultimate aim to encourage more people to choose EVs and, in doing so, reduce community emissions.
City of Ryde Mayor, Clr Jerome Laxale said Council was determined to take a leading role in the transition from petrol -based cars to EVs.
"Co uncil has led the way in EV uptake by introducing EVs into its fleet and will complete the installation of our first two new public charg ing locations by June this year at Macquarie Park and Top Ryde with an additional location scheduled for later in the y ear," Clr Laxale said.
"The Prime Minister thinks electric cars ruin the weekend. We think they offer communities a safe and convenient way to reduce emissions. The contrast couldn't be more stark.
"Electric vehicles are the future. They offer a clean transport option with the added convenience of charging at home or on the road."
In addition, Council will also be monitor ing the emerging hydrogen fuel market for opportunities suitable to the City of Ryde at a local government and community scale.
