Eligible purchases of a new electric vehicle (EV) in Australia may qualify for a Federal or State incentive or rebate. Where the purchaser lives can impact on eligibility, so we’ve pulled together the current EV incentives* to see what each State and Territory has to offer.
While the Federal Government offers its own incentive for purchasing a new EV, each State and Territory Government also have their own rebates, incentives and discounts to encourage residents to make the switch to electric. Let’s take a look at the potential incentives on offer across Australia.
Federal incentives
The Federal Government currently offers a reduced luxury car tax rate for vehicles that fall below an emission threshold, including electric vehicles (EVs). This incentive is detailed on the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website which sets out the following tax incentive:
From 1st July 2022, fuel efficient vehicles, including electric vehicles, qualify for a reduced Luxury Car Tax, which can save owners up to $3,920.00. For most vehicles, the Luxury Car Tax levy is charged at a rate of 33c for every dollar above $77,849, but for EVs and fuel efficient vehicles the threshold is $84,916.
Queensland
The Queensland Government currently offers several different savings on vehicle registration duty costs and purchase costs for eligible EVs. To read more about the eligibility criteria for rebates and other benefits, visit the Queensland Government Website. In the meantime, here’s what's on offer for EV owners in the Sunshine State:
EVs and hybrid vehicles are eligible for reduced vehicle registration duty costs, also known as stamp duty, and reduced registration fees. In addition, new zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) with a purchase price (dutiable value) of up to $58,000 (including GST) purchased on or after 16th March 2022 can apply for a rebate of $3,000.
It’s worth noting that plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are not considered zero emission vehicles and do not qualify for this purchase rebate in Queensland.
New South Wales
The New South Wales Government is endeavouring to make EVs more affordable for NSW residents by offering the following rebates and stamp duty savings:
Since 1st September 2021, the NSW government has offered a rebate of $3,000 on the first 25,000 new battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles with a dutiable value of less than $68,750. But before you opt for a used or demonstrator model, be aware that these vehicles don’t benefit from this rebate.
The NSW government also offers a stamp duty exemption for all new and used EVs with a dutiable value up to and including $78,000 (including GST), which is a saving of up to $5,540.
To find out more about what’s on offer, refer to the NSW Government Website for information on the eligibility criteria and application process.
Australian Capital Territory
The ACT Government acknowledges the role that EVs play in reducing emissions and is encouraging residents and businesses to make the switch by offering the following incentives:
All new and used ZEVs purchased between May 24, 2021 and June 30, 2024 are eligible for two years of free registration. The ACT also offers a Vehicle Emission Reduction Scheme whereby all new ZEVs are exempt from stamp duty if they emit less than 130g of CO2 per kilometre. Because this scheme works on a tiered system it also benefits other fuel-efficient vehicles depending on their emissions.
The ACT’s Sustainable Household Scheme also provides eligible households with a loan of up to $15,000 to purchase a ZEV.
The ACT Government details the incentives for purchasing an EV on their website. You can also read up on how the ACT Government plans on making EVs more accessible and affordable for residents in the future.
Victoria
Victorian residents can take advantage of the following incentives offered by the Victorian Government:
Since 1st May 2021, the Victorian Government has offered a $3,000 Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Subsidy on all new ZEVs with a purchase price less than $68,740 (including GST). This subsidy is limited to 4,000 registrations, but you can head to the Solar Victoria site to find out more information on the program and how many subsidies are available in the current release.
Further to the ZEV subsidy, zero and low emission vehicles (ZLEVs) are also eligible for a registration discount of up to $100 per year. In Victoria, ZLEVs are still subject to a road-user charge, which means all road users contribute to funding Victorian roads. For more information on the program refer to the Victorian Government website.
Tasmania
From 1st July 2021 to 30th June 2023, all new and used EVs are exempt from stamp duty charges in Tasmania. Read up on the eligibility requirements on the Tasmanian Government site.
South Australia
The South Australian government offers several incentives for EV owners to help with the uptake of EVs in the State. These are detailed on the Government of South Australia’s site, which sets out the following incentives:
Since 28th October 2021, the South Australian Government has offered a $3,000 rebate for the first 7,000 new battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles valued below $68,750 (including GST).
Until 30th June 2025, the SA Government is also offering a registration fee exemption for all new battery electric vehicles with a dutiable value less than $68,750 (including GST).
Western Australia
As part of the Western Australia Government’s Clean Energy Car Fund, residents are being financially incentivised to make the switch to ZEVs. The details of the scheme are as follows but more information can be found on the Department of Transport website.
From 10th May 2022, the Western Australian government has offered a $3,500 rebate on the first 10,000 ZEVs with a purchase price of $70,000 or less (including GST) as part of the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Rebate Scheme.
From 1st July 2027, the WA Government will introduce a road user charge for owners of ZEVs and hybrid vehicles so that all drivers are contributing fairly to the use of Western Australian roads.
Northern Territory
The Northern Territory Government is doing its part to support the uptake of EVs for Territorian businesses and residents. Information on the Electric Vehicle Strategy and Implementation Plan can be viewed on the NT Government website which details the following incentives:
From 1st July 2022 to 30th June 2027, the Northern Territory Government will waive:
- Registration fees for EVs (Motor Accidents Compensation and third party insurance still applies), and
- Stamp duty fees for all EVs up to $50,000.
The NT Government also offers an Electric Vehicle Charger (Residential and Business) Grants Scheme that provides funding to install an EV charger at your residential property or business.
Australian States and Territories are actively encouraging residents to purchase EVs by offering a number of incentives, grants and subsidies. Whether you make the switch to electric or hybrid, or choose to stick with a fuel powered vehicle for now, it’s always worth protecting your car. Explore Youi’s range of Car Insurance offerings to find a policy that might suit your needs.
*Please note that the incentives detailed in this article were sourced on 16th November 2022 from the indicated websites and may not be accurate at the time of reading.
The information provided in this article contains general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account any person’s particular objectives, financial situations or needs.
Incentive details listed for Federal, States and Territories are subject to change and should not be relied on as accurate or available. If this information is important to you, it should be sourced directly from the relevant Government website.
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