By Luke Voogt
Geelong could become a hub for commercial electric vehicles with a State Government grant securing a new factory.
Climate Change Minister Lily D’Ambrosio announced the $516,720 grant for SEA Automotive to build the first stage of the facility on Wednesday.
SEA managing director Glenn Baird said there would “great potential” for the company to work with local suppliers and existing automotive firms in Geelong.
“This grant provides tremendous support in terms of establishing our assembly operations.”
Mr Baird said advances in technology had made commercial electric vehicles economically viable compared to their fuel-driven rivals.
“Batteries are now 30 per cent cheaper than what they were five years ago,” he said.
Mr Baird also promoted the environmental benefits, saying electric vehicles produced zero carbon emissions and noise.
The firm would closely work with Deakin University to improve its technology, he added.
He declined to say where or when SEA planned to construct the facility but did say that the company expected to expand the facility beyond the first stage.
The government announcement coincided with the closure of Geelong Ford manufacturing plant this week after 90 years of operation.
Ms D’Ambrosio said the government expected the SEA project to create 80 jobs in Geelong over the next four years.
“We’re proud to be rebuilding much needed confidence in the renewable energy industry while providing jobs for automotive assembly workers,” she said.
“There is now a future for manufacturing in Geelong.”
Ms D’Ambrosio said the company would use the facility to create electric power pack systems to convert existing trucks from diesel to electric.
She said the long-term aim of the project was to develop an innovative range of electric powered commercial vehicles.
“This remarkable project will cement Victoria as an electric vehicle powerhouse.”
The company was one of the first grant recipients of the Andrews government’s $20 million New Energy Jobs Fund.
