AS electric vehicles (EV) are set to dominate new car sales, towns and regions across the High Country have invested in public chargers, signage and support to encourage people to travel to the region.
The Mansfield Shire Council is actively investing in EV charging solutions, with a project in Jamieson almost complete and a location in Mansfield yet to be finalised.
Publically accessible EV chargers are already installed and operational in Benalla, Euroa and Wangaratta with each of the local councils saying the locations allow visitors to experience their towns while waiting.
At the Delatite Winery, EV charges have been operational since 2019 and managing director David Ritchie says it has allowed for more tourists to stop by.
"We've had quite a few people stop in Mansfield overnight on their trip from Sydney to Melbourne," he said.
"They drop their car off at the winery, buy a case of wine, stay overnight in town, then pick their car up the following morning and continue to Melbourne.
"I've had quite a few discussions with people who've made a day or overnight trip to Mansfield from Melbourne as they knew they could get a top up charge at the winery."
He said the chargers have also helped with the business' commitment to sustainability.
Melissa Crane, General Manager Infrastructure & Planning at Mansfield Shire Council noted the increased prevalence of EVs and the importance to make sure infrastructure kept up with the changing car market.
"Last year Council provided support to EVIE Networks in their application for a Charging the Regions grant," she said.
"They were successful in obtaining a grant to install an EV charger within the Mansfield township, and Council has been working with them to find a suitable location.
"This charger will be installed at no cost to ratepayers, which was an important consideration for Council in comparing this application with other part–funded, unbudgeted proposals."
The Federal Government recently released a National Electric Vehicle Strategy, introducing fuel efficiency standards by the end of the year.
It came after 120 local government representatives from across the country called on the Government to supercharge the country's supply of affordable electric vehicles through legislation like this.
They argue this legislation opens the door for affordable low and zero emissions vehicles and help ensure that Australia does not continue to be a "dumping ground" for polluting vehicles.
Clean Transport Campaigner Ajaya Haikerwal says that the Government has made an important step by putting a Fuel Efficiency Standard at the centre of the Strategy.
"What we've needed for a long time is a world–class Standard that is at least as ambitious as Europe or New Zealand," said Mr Haikerwal.
