There is growing interest nationally and at the Territory level in the development of EV policy, programs and infrastructure. Purchase price is currently a major disincentive to EV uptake in Australia, with the majority of EV models available in Australia costing over $60,000. However, several new EV models, including lower cost models, are arriving, or are scheduled for release in Australia. With the introduction of lower cost EVs into Australia over the next few years, there is likely to be increased use of EVs and greater demand for supporting infrastructure.

However, the potential for supporting or encouraging the up-take of EVs in the Northern Territory requires careful consideration. The Northern Territory covers a large land area and has a small, widely dispersed population, with many remote and very remote communities. In addition, the Northern Territory’s major urban centres are geographically isolated from the rest of Australia and experience extreme climatic conditions. These unique characteristics will present challenges for the increasing use of EVs across the Northern Territory.

The costs and benefits of EVs in the Northern Territory context and the potential opportunities and barriers need to be considered in developing EV policy and infrastructure. This paper aims to investigate these issues and seek feedback from stakeholders and the community to assist in developing an EV Strategy and Implementation Plan.

This paper will focus on battery EVs and PHEVs as they are likely to represent the most significant change in Australia’s vehicle fleet in the short to medium term. The Paper will also focus on passenger and light commercial vehicles as these are likely to be where the greatest area of growth will occur in the near future and where government involvement will be most relevant in the short term.