The Victorian Government has announced a $3,000 subsidy for electric vehicle purchases.

The Andrews government has unveiled a $100 million package that includes the subsidy, as well as a target for half of all new vehicle sales to be fully electric or hydrogen by 2030. 

The state has also committed to building charging infrastructure and increasing the number of zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) in government and commercial fleets.

The $3,000 subsidy is already in effect, and will cover the purchase of over 20,000 zero emission vehicles.

An expert advisory panel is being established to advise the Government on how to meet the 50 per cent ZEV target by 2030.

Up to $19 million will be spent on at least 50 new charging points, doubling the size of the existing network. New stations will be located on major highways, key tourist attractions, and other locations across Melbourne and regional Victoria.

While these moves may be welcomed, many are still upset at the Victorian government’s  proposed electric vehicle tax. 

In recent weeks, Victoria has proposed to tax zero emission cars 2.5c per kilometre travelled or 2c per kilometre for low emission cars.

Dozens of auto manufacturers, environmentalists and big corporations have signed an open letter speaking out against the proposal.

Electric Vehicle Council chief executive Behyad Jafari says the policy contradicts of the state’s green targets.

“Very obviously when you make something more expensive fewer people are going to buy it,” Mr Jafari recently told reporters.

“Australia is already behind in the adoption of these vehicles. Other wealthy nations have put support in place for vehicle owners, yet we’re proposing to make things more expensive.

“It’s quite shocking.”