But, with no electric vehicles yet on the market, the Canberran took matters into his own hands, converting a Daihatsu Charade in his garage after "looking up a few things online" - and a long career in biochemistry.

On Monday, Mr Campbell welcomed the ACT government's new push to get more electric vehicles on Canberra roads, as part of plans to make the territory emissions neutral by 2050.

At least half of all government fleet passenger cars will be electric by 2019-2020 under the scheme, and all new multi-unit and mixed-use developments required to have charging stations.

After selling his beloved Charade, Mr Campbell now drives a Mitsubishi i-MiEV and a hybrid Holden Volt, each costing about $300 a year to charge.

"I'm saving thousands on petrol, every morning it's full, it's simple,it's perfect for getting around town," he said.

"And new cars are coming out with even longer mileage."

ActewAGL welcomed the territory's scheme with an announcement of its own - the installation of two electric vehicle charging stations at Cooma and Jindabyne.

The power company currently runs 11 charging stations across the ACT, where less than 300 electric vehicles are registered.

Chief executive Michael Costello said one of the main drivers behind electric car take-up was access to public stations.

"We are are also considering the option of charging stations on the way to the South Coast," he said.

“These new installations support the season ritual of Canberrans heading to the snow in winter and in summer to the South coast."

But Warwick Cathro, of 350 Canberra, said price was another big barrier for prospective buyers.

"I'm still waiting for an affordable electric car to arrive in Australia, I've been looking and researching for years, I pester all the dealers regularly," he said.

"There's no incentives in Australia like there is overseas to buy electric."

A government spokeswoman said the territory already waived stamp duty on new zero emissions cars and offered a 20 per cent discount on registration fees.

Under the plan, the ACT will also explore incentives for electric bikes.

While Mr Cartho supported the scheme, he said it could go even further to mirror markets in the US and the UK, which offer tax credits and grants to those buying electric.

By 2020, transport is expected to make up about 60 per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions in the ACT, as the territory pushes to switch over completely to renewable energy.

Last year the NRMA threw $10 million behind the construction of Australia's largest fast-charging network along highways in the ACT and NSW.

NRMA local director Kate Lundy said the ACT's plan should be standard across Australia.

"There is a global transition towards this technology and Australia is not immune," Ms Lundy said.

"However, until now governments have failed to grasp the significance of these changes and properly prepare Australia so that we can reap the economic, environmental and societal benefits of an electric vehicle future.

“The ACT Government should be commended for taking a leadership role in supporting Australia’s transition from fossil fuels."

A NRMA report found growth in the electric car market could add about $3 billion to Australia's GDP and create more than 13,000 jobs by 2030.

As for getting from A to B, Canberra man Peter Gorton said electric vehicles like his own BMW i3 were "wonderfully smooth".

"I was excited by the idea of it, but I was surprised at how wonderful it is to drive," he said.

"It's certainly the way of the future."

Chief executive of Master Builders ACT Michael Hopkins said the company supported the ACT's goal of achieving net zero emissions.

“There will be a range of issues that affect the built environment, including the design of residential buildings, that will require government, community and industry consultation prior to implementation," he said.

The Electric Vehicle Council of Australia, which first launched in the ACT, also backed the scheme at its launch on Monday.