Two-thirds of Australians expect to purchase an electric car in future, according to a new Climate Council survey.
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Results of the survey of 861 eligible voters over two days showed one in six people were planning to purchase an electric vehicle the next time they buy a car.
The release of the survey results comes after Greens candidate for Ballarat Karen McAloon and senator Janet Rice announced Greens Federal Election policy in Ballarat on Monday, with an ambitious target of electric vehicles making up all new cars sold in Australia by 2030.
Meanwhile, Buninyong Sustainability group is working to provide a local charging solution, with plans to install an electric vehicle charging station in Buninyong.
Buninyong is putting its hand up saying 'we want to be a destination, don't be discouraged from coming into Buninyong'.
- Ben Taylor, City of Ballarat councillor
The group is raising final funds to support the installation of the charging station and working with City of Ballarat on specifications for the site, with an announcement expected next month.
Buninyong Sustainability member Andrea Mason said there was an increasing demand for electric vehicle charging stations and the group wanted Buninyong to be on the 'front foot'.
"There is growing support in Buninyong. The Smart Building and Living Expo and excitement around the cars has shown people are getting used to the idea that electric vehicles are the way of the future, " she said.
While a few people in Buninyong drive electric vehicles and charge them at home, the public charging station is intended to attract electric vehicle visitors from out of town to stop, re-charge, go for a walk, buy lunch or a coffee and spend time in the town.
City of Ballarat councillor Ben Taylor said more electric vehicle charging stations in Victoria would reduce 'charge anxiety'.
Feedback showed the Buninyong charging station would help Ballarat people drive their electric vehicle to Geelong, as they could stop in the town on their return to ensure enough charge to make it back to the suburbs of Ballarat.
"Buninyong is putting its hand up saying 'we want to be a destination, don't be discouraged from coming into Buninyong'," Cr Taylor said.
"I think there is an opportunity for Ballarat to look at more electric vehicle charging stations but from a general point of view, most people working in Ballarat driving short distances wouldn't need it and would charge at their car at home."
The cost and range of electric vehicles remains a barrier for most, but the Climate Council survey revealed one in two Australians would consider buying an electric car when they become as cheap as petrol cars.
This is projected to occur by 2025, according to the council.
Transport contributes to almost 20 percent of Australia's emissions.
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