Which states still offer electric vehicle incentives?
If you’re thinking of purchasing an electric vehicle (EV), then it’s worth looking at the benefits your state government has in place. While these have eased in some states, others still have strong motivations to get you into your new EV.
So what can you get back when purchasing an EV? Take a look at the benefits in each state and territory across Australia.
What is a low-emission vehicle?
The ATO describes a low-emission vehicle if it is a battery, hydrogen fuel cell, or plug-in hybrid vehicle. Hybrid vehicles do not meet the criteria as they are fuelled by petrol.
What are the benefits of low-emission cars?
The Green Vehicle Guide provides useful tools and outlines the benefits to consider for electric vehicles.
EVs save on running and servicing costs and are becoming more affordable as more EVs enter the market.
EVs also reduce traffic noise and harmful emissions as well as improves air quality.
The fuel calculator can help you calculate the difference between the cost of fuel versus petrol.
Find out how each government is helping you get on the road with an EV.
Federal
The federal government has a Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption for employers on eligible electric vehicles and associated expenses. To qualify, the vehicle must be a zero or low emissions car, acquired and used for the first time on or after 1 July 2022. Additionally, the car must be used by a current employee or their associates, such as family members, and must not have incurred Luxury Car Tax on importation or sale. To learn more about this benefit, visit the ATO website.
Queensland
The Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Rebate Scheme closed to new applications on 2 September 2024, but the Queensland Government remains committed to supporting electric vehicle (EV) drivers.
The Queensland Government still offers discounted vehicle registration duty and fees.
Northern Territory
Registration and stamp duty concessions are available for new or existing plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs). Registration is free, even for previously registered, interstate or imported PEVs. Stamp duty concessions of up to $1500 are available for vehicles valued up to $50,000. Learn more about the conditions by visiting the Northern Territory Government website.
South Australia
To encourage the adoption of electric vehicles in South Australia, the government is offering a 3-year exemption for eligible new electric vehicles valued below $68,750. This exemption applies to vehicles first registered between 28 October 2021 and 30 June 2025. Find out more about South Australia’s incentives by visiting the South Australia Government website.
Australian Capital Territory
The ACT is moving vehicle registration fees from a weight-based system to an emissions-based system for most light vehicles. This change means that lower emission vehicles will benefit from reduced registration fees. Eligible vehicles include zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and low-emission petrol and diesel vehicles. Additionally, the ACT offers motor vehicle duty (stamp duty) exemptions to encourage residents to purchase and register zero and low-emission vehicles. Learn more about these exemptions by visiting the ACT government website.
Western Australia
The ZEV rebate scheme offers a $3,500 rebate, transferred electronically to your nominated Australian bank account, after purchasing an eligible vehicle and applying to the Department of Transport (DoT). This rebate is available for the first 10,000 eligible vehicles licensed in WA or for three years following the announcement on 10 May 2025, whichever comes first.
However, hybrid vehicles, including plug-in hybrids, are not eligible for this scheme as they emit greenhouse gases. To find out more, visit the WA Government website.
Tasmania
The Electric Vehicle Rebate program offers $2,000 for new and second-hand electric vehicles in Tasmania. Launched on 17 November 2023, most rebates are already reserved, with fewer than five remaining as of 15 October 2024.
Applicants must complete Stage 2 of their application within six months of receiving and registering their vehicle. However, due to high demand, securing a rebate is not guaranteed.
Updates on grants available are available by visiting this Tasmanian Government page.
Victoria
Victoria has ditched its EV road user tax, following a successful High Court challenge that required the state government to refund charges, with interest, to electric car owners.
Victoria offers a $100 vehicle registration concession for motor vehicles that emit zero or low emissions through electric, hydrogen, or plug-in electric-hybrid propulsion systems. These vehicles, classified as Zero and Low Emission Vehicles (ZLEVs), are defined as low-emission vehicles that require electrical plug-in to recharge. To find out more visit the Vic Roads website.
New South Wales
Electric vehicles and some low-emission hybrids in NSW get a motor vehicle tax concession, applied automatically at registration. These include petrol-electric hybrids, diesel-electric hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles. These vehicles have CO2 emissions of no more than 150 g/km. Vehicles with a 4½ or 5-star rating under the previous Green Vehicle Guide also qualify.
The NSW Government has a program called Drive Electric NSW EV Fleets. This program helps businesses, non-profits, and councils switch to electric vehicles. This program lowers costs and cuts emissions. Funding rounds occur every six months until the end of 2024.
For more details, visit the NSW Government’s vehicle registration page and the Drive Electric NSW EV Fleets incentive page.
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