Electric vehicle symposium and trial Launch: E-Alert December 2009

Following delivery of the Automotive Review led by the Hon Steve Bracks, former Premier of Victoria, the Victorian State Government and the Commonwealth Government have moved to promote R&D and manufacturing activities in Australia relating to 'green car' innovation.

At the State level, during December 2009 and January 2010, Invest Victoria will be conducting an Electric Vehicle Symposium and launching a five year trial of electric vehicles. Over the next four years the 'Smart Meter' being installed in Victorian households will complement the uptake of plug
in electric vehicles.

The Federal Government's Green Car Innovation Fund ('GCIF') will see around $1.3 billion made available to industry for eligible activities over the next 10 years. Key features of the GCIF include:
 

• grants from $100,000 are available for "green" car projects;
• funding will typically be made available on the basis of $1 of government funding for every $3 of expenditure by the applicant;
• R&D tax credits.

Enhanced Market Access programs, to assist with developing sales into Asia and the US, are also available.

For more information on the Commonwealth's GCIF, including eligibility criteria, grant application forms and the terms of the GCIF Grant Agreement, see the Ausindustry GCIF website

For information on the Electric Vehicle Symposium and Trial, see the Victorian Government's Invest Victoria website

Maddocks would be delighted to assist with legal advice relating to any aspect of government green car initiatives, including in relation to applications for funding and advice on grant agreements.

For assistance please contact either Geoff Musgrove, Sean Field or Dariel DeSousa.