Move to electric transport
Bikes, cars, vans – switch to electric and ride or drive into the clean energy future.
Electric vehicles are cleaner, quieter and cheaper to run than a standard petrol or diesel car. And if you have solar panels, you can charge your electric bike or car with clean, free energy at home.
Electric bikes
Many people in Darebin have already discovered the joy of e-bikes, using them for childcare and school runs, work commutes, shopping and more. E-bikes are a great option for riding up those steep hills, or to give you a boost when travelling longer distances without breaking a sweat.
If you want to carry kids, shopping, pets or larger loads, an electric cargo bike could be a great option for you. Electric cargo bikes can usually carry up to 60kg on their rear racks, or in the front box – with some heavy-duty models carrying up to 250kg. Some workplaces offer salary packaging or other support for purchasing an e-bike. You can also look at rental or lease options for more flexibility.
Many people are choosing to replace their car with an electric bike.
Are you tempted to get an e-bike but don’t know where to start? At our e-bike Q and A at Preston Library, we put the big questions to a panel of experts:
- How affordable are e-bikes?
- What options are there for carrying kids, shopping and pets?
- Could I convert my existing bike?
- How do you charge an e-bike and how far can you go?
You can tune into this electric discussion at 3CR’s YarraBUG Radio show. The 3-part podcast series ‘Darebin Loves E-bikes’ is available now.
For more information and support including free monthly bike checks, bike skills workshops, handy maps and more check out our bike riding and walking page.
Electric cars and vans
If you’re looking at buying a new car, there’s never been a better time to think electric.
Leasing an electric vehicle
New Australian tax laws introduced late in 2022 can make buying a new electric vehicle through a novated lease much more affordable. Check with your employer to see if novated leases are one of your employee benefits.
New pollution standards
In April 2023, the Federal Government announced they will soon be implementing fuel efficiency standards, which outline how much pollution – specifically, carbon dioxide – cars sold in Australia can produce. This will encourage car makers to import more low-carbon cars like electric vehicles - meaning there will be many more, and cheaper, car options coming soon.
Charging options for electric vehicles
The cheapest and easiest way to charge your electric vehicle is at home if you have access to off-street parking.
If you have solar panels, make the most of your free power by charging during the day.
If you don’t have access to off-street parking, you can find out more about where you can charge your electric car for free with 100% renewable energy in Darebin – check out Plug Share for general charging options.
Darebin has developed an Electric Vehicle Charging Policy that encourages electric car and bike charging in new developments, as well as setting guidelines for how we will facilitate the expansion of the public EV charging network in Darebin.
In 2024 Darebin partnered with Jolt and Evie to supply and maintain public electric vehicle car charging across the municipality. The first of our new car chargers will be installed by the end of 2025.
More information
If you have any questions or want to find out more, please contact us.
Climate Emergency and Sustainable Transport
Email: climateemergency@darebin.vic.gov.au