Game Changing EV Toolkit Released For Councils

Australia’s Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) has launched a revamped EV guide aimed at giving local councils the tools they need to lead the charge in the nation’s electric transition.

The ‘Electric Vehicle Resource Pack for Local Governments’, released in partnership with the City of Ryde in New South Wales, is now available online and offers updated insights since its original 2020 release. It’s designed to help councils take practical steps to electrify their own fleets and build EV-friendly communities, from public charging rollouts to emissions-based policies.

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“All change starts local,” said Cameron Rimington, Senior Policy Officer at the Electric Vehicle Council. “There are many ways councils stand to benefit from supporting EVs—from boosting local tourism to helping residents save thousands on running costs.”

Why Local Councils Matter

While federal and state governments shape policy at the top, it’s local governments that interact with the public day-to-day. They control streetscapes, manage community services, and directly influence how visible and accessible EVs are across neighbourhoods.

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The EVC guide encourages councils to take action across eight key areas:

• Setting sustainability and fleet transition targets
• Providing EV adoption incentives
• Preparing new buildings and infrastructure for EVs
• Rolling out public and private charging
• Supporting heavy-duty EVs like electric garbage trucks
• Encouraging micromobility sharing (e-bikes and scooters)
• Promoting local EV education and awareness
• Partnering with private operators to fast-track rollout

This multi-pronged approach aims to kickstart meaningful change, regardless of a council’s size or location.

“There’s no one-size-fits-all approach,” said Rimington. “With over 500 councils across Australia at different stages of their electrification journey, this resource pack is about helping each one move forward.”

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City of Ryde: A Case Study in EV Leadership

The City of Ryde, which co-developed the resource pack, knows firsthand what it takes to get started. It began its EV journey in 2017 with just two electric vehicles and three public chargers. Today, it's developed a detailed Sustainable Transport Strategy and adopted Net Zero Emissions targets.

“We’re now refreshing our transport strategies to prepare for the next stage,” said Mayor Trenton Brown. “Our focus is on transitioning our own fleet and expanding charging infrastructure for the community.”

Ryde’s experience offers a practical roadmap for other councils—particularly those still in the early stages of planning.

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From Garbage Trucks to Emissions-Based Parking

Several councils across the country are already pushing boundaries with innovative policies and tech. Some have introduced emissions-based parking fees, while others have deployed fully electric garbage trucks. Many are partnering with private EV charging providers to bring more chargers to local roads and community hubs.

And the benefits are real. Supporting EVs doesn’t just lower emissions—it slashes fuel and maintenance costs, attracts eco-conscious visitors, and delivers cleaner air for residents.