Until recently in Australia, unlike almost every other country in the OECD, there was no incentive at any level of government to buy electric vehicles (EVs).
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While the Federal Government has a higher threshold for green cars before it applied the Luxury Car Tax (LCT), this applies to any car with fuel efficiency below 7.0 litres per 100km, and can't really be called an EV-specific incentive.
Update: This story originally ran in March 2022, but we've periodically updated it to reflect recent policy announcements.
However, over the last few years Australian state governments have announced measures to encourage the transition to EV ownership. Those lucky enough to live in the 'right' state can save thousands of dollars.
Below is a look at the consumer-oriented initiatives of each state, and the impact on the price of Australia's most popular electric car.
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Australian Capital Territory
The ACT has one of the most generous incentives in Australia, despite not offering a direct cash injection.
New EVs are exempt from stamp duty, equivalent to around $2900 for a $60,000 car that emits more than 221g of CO2 per km.
All electric cars, new or used, purchased in the ACT are also exempt from registration costs for two years.
The ACT also has a Sustainable Household Scheme which will provide zero-interest loans of between $2000 and $15,000 to eligible households to help with the upfront costs of investing in energy-efficient upgrades, including zero-emission vehicles.
In July 2022, the ACT announced it will end sales of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035 as part of a wide-reaching electric vehicle strategy.
New South Wales
Unfortunately, NSW ended its EV incentives programs as of January 1, 2024.
New and used EVs with a price of $78,000 before on-road costs were previously exempt from stamp duty since September 2021.
A $3000 rebate was also available for the first 25,000 EVs priced up to $68,750 before on-road costs, however this was scrapped before the sales target was reached.
A total of $260 million will be invested as part of the 2023-24 NSW Budget into additional EV infrastructure for drivers in regional New South Wales, renters, and people who live in apartment, as well as other motorists who don't have access to home charging.
Queensland
Queensland has joined several other states in releasing a policy designed to increase the uptake of electric vehicles. It now has the most generous in the country, too.
From July 1, 2023, the Queensland Government doubled its household EV rebate from $3000 to $6000 and increased the price cap for new vehicles eligible under the scheme from $58,000 to $68,000 before on-road costs.
Applicants must have a combined household income of $180,000 or less to get access to the maximum rebate under the Zero Emission Vehicle Rebate Scheme.
The doubled rebate is exclusive to eligible households – meaning two individual rebates of $3000 – but individual buyers, as well as households, above the income threshold will still have access to the older $3000 discount.
Applicants who had applied and received a $3000 rebate under the earlier scheme, and who are under the total gross income threshold, are eligible for reassessment and additional payment of the $6000 rebate.
Victoria
The Victorian Government ended its $3000 EV purchases subsidy on June 30, 2023 as a way to cut back on spending.
It was originally intended to end no sooner than May 2024, unless all 20,000 subsidies were exhausted before then.
Although there is no stamp duty exemption, Victoria does have a flat stamp duty for electric cars regardless of purchase price. Electric vehicle owners pay $8.40 per $200 market value, the same as internal-combustion cars under $71,849.
Buyers of combustion-powered luxury vehicles pay up to $18 per $200 market value if they are over $150,000.
You could say this qualifies as an incentive, but only if you are lucky enough to be choosing between a Porsche Taycan and a Panamera.
Finally, all EVs registered in Victoria will also receive a $100 discount in their annual registration.
Unlike all the other states, Victoria had already started to make EV drivers pay a road-user charge. However this was struck down by the High Court and repealed in 2023.
As it currently stands, Victorians are no longer required to pay an upcoming ZLEV related invoice or provide a vehicle odometer reading.
South Australia
South Australia ended its $3000 rebate for new EVs and plug-in hybrids under $68,750 before on-road costs on January 1, 2024 – well before 30 June, 2025 when it was originally due to conclude.
However, it still provides a three-year registration exemption, available to any eligible new EVs valued below $68,750 and first registered between October 28, 2021 and June 30, 2025.
Tasmania
Tasmania's EV incentives recently lapsed, however the state government says further incentives are on their way.
From July 1, 2021 until June 30, 2023, buyers who purchased an electric vehicle (EV) or a hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) were exempt from stamp duty.
Northern Territory
The NT Government announced measures in 2021, which took effect from July 1, 2022 to promote EV uptake.
EVs and plug-in hybrids valued at up to $50,000 receive a $1500 stamp duty discount until June 30, 2027. Any amount over this price cap continues to attract 3.0 per cent stamp duty.
There's also free registration up to June 30, 2027, including for used EVs and those brought in from overseas or interstate.
The NT Government has also introduced a grant scheme for EV chargers.
This consists of 100 residential grants of $1000, plus 80 business grants of $2500, intended for the purchase and installation of EV chargers. They're available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Western Australia
The Western Australian State Government offers $3500 rebates for buyers of new EVs priced up to $70,000.
To be eligible, vehicles must have a maximum dutiable value of $70,000 or less, have a gross vehicle mass (GVM) under 4.5 tonnes, and must be brand new or never previously registered here or overseas.
Hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are eligible, but hybrids and plug-in hybrids aren't.
Since May 2022, the WA Government says more than 5900 rebates have been approved, with EV sales increasing nearly fourfold since June 2022.
WA in 2021 announced a 45-station, $21 million EV charging network stretching from Kununurra in the north down to Perth, and out to the regional centres of Esperance and Kalgoorlie.
What does Australia's most popular electric car cost in each state?
What does all this mean for the bottom line?
Below are 'drive away' figures (including any rebates) for the top-selling Tesla Model Y SUV in its least expensive RWD configuration.
The biggest variable behind the differences in the states (after any rebate) is the amount of stamp duty.
For context, the Tesla Model Y starts from $60,900 before on-road costs and options.
The above figures are drive-away, and include all the relevant rebates and stamp duty reductions. Some rebates may need to be claimed after purchase.
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
