No surprises here, the healthiest, planet friendly and sustainable way to get around is to walk, cycle or use public transport. When this isn’t an option, making the switch to an electric vehicle, or electric bike for shorter journeys, is cleaner, cheaper to run and better for the planet.
Electric transport options run from electricity rather than petrol or fuel. This makes them cheaper to run per km, and require much less maintenance. They have less noise pollution, and if charged with renewable energy, they can create zero emissions when operating!
How to get around?
Electric ‘micro-mobility’ devices such as e-cargo bikes, e-scooters, and electric bikes are becoming more popular. From school drop off, visiting friends, heading to the park or grocery runs. These mobility options are on the rise. Shellharbour has a variety of great bike paths which make your journey easy.
Electric cars are also on the rise. The Electric Vehicle Council reported a 120% increase in electric vehicle car sales between January and June 2023. Charge your electric vehicle at home from solar to access clean, renewable and free energy for your car. The Electric Vehicle Council have also busted myths about electric vehicles from range, charging time, performance and cost here.
We also have access to a great network of electric vehicle chargers around the city, with over 14 plugs currently available including two chargers in the Shellharbour Civic Centre. Find publicly available charging stations on PlugShare.
What financial support is available?
Charging your electric vehicle using rooftop solar will “cost you around 1-2 cents per km, instead of diesel which costs 20-25 cents per km” according to Dr Saul Griffith. This makes electric vehicles an incredibly cost-effective transport option per km.
If that isn't enough to convince you, there is more financial support available!
- Council is offering up to $250 toward the purchase and installation of an at home electric vehicle charger. Check out our rebate program here.
- The NSW Government offers an electric vehicle rebate of $3,000 for new full battery electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles purchased for a dutiable value of less than $68,750.