From plug-in to mild, here's what you need to know about the different types of hybrid cars available for sale in Australia, and how they compare to fully electric vehicles (EV).
Electric
New South Wales government incentives for EVs
Queensland government incentives for EVs
ACT government incentives for EVs
Electric vehicle rebates, discounts and incentives in Australia
If you’re considering buying an EV for your next car, these Australian EV rebates, discounts and incentives can make the purchase lighter on your wallet.
While electric vehicles aren’t necessarily a new concept, car buyers are increasingly drawn to their unique mix of features, technology and quiet operation.
EVs might also be able to help drivers save money on servicing and maintenance costs.
EV incentives are available to help make EV ownership a reality for more Australians as they become more affordable (here are the cheapest EVs in Australia). When it comes to financing your EV, you can choose between a car loan and a novated car lease.
Here are all the EV rebates subsidies, discounts and reduced rates currently accessible in Australia.
Electric vehicle government rebates, subsidies and discounts available to Australian car buyers
Federal government incentives for EVs
EV purchasers Australia-wide can enjoy these benefits in 2024:
- Exemption from fringe benefits tax (FBT) for EVs and PHEVs under the luxury car tax threshold
- Higher luxury car tax (LCT) threshold: $89,332 compared to $76,950 for petrol and diesel vehicles. Any car above these prices required an LCT paid to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
The federal government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) will come into effect on 1 January 2025. This program, along with the removal of customs duty for EVs and PHEVs lower than the LCT threshold, will encourage car manufacturers to fast-track EVs to Australia, creating a competitive sales environment that will hopefully decrease EV retail prices.
EVs are becoming more popular in Australia. Image: Ben Weinstein
Victoria government incentives for EVs
There has been no EV subsidy from the Victorian government since 30 June 2023.
Victoria has, however, scrapped its EV road user tax. This tax saw EV owners paying 2.5 cents per kilometre, while PHEV owners paid 2 cents per kilometre, which amounted to around $400 a year for the average driver.
Victorians can also access solar power rebates, which could help you access the technology to charge your EV from solar energy.
New South Wales government incentives for EVs
New South Wales ended its EV rebate scheme and stamp duty exemption on 1 January 2024. EV buyers who placed a deposit on an eligible vehicle before this date should still receive the rebate, even if it's not yet delivered.
Queensland government incentives for EVs
Queensland residents purchasing an EV will be eligible for:
- $6,000 subsidy for new EVs priced up to $68,000 (plus on-road costs), for households with a taxable income equal to, or less than, $180,000 per year.
- Discounted car registration fees
- Discounted stamp duty rates.
Government incentives for EVs differ by state or territory. Image: Ben Weinstein
ACT government incentives for EVs
ACT residents purchasing an EV will be eligible for:
- Up to $15,000 in interest-free loans for eligible households to purchase an EV under the luxury car tax threshold ($89,332 currently), or EV charging equipment
- Discounted registration on eligible EVs through an emissions-based registration scheme.
The two years' free registration and stamp duty exemption for EVs (and 20 per cent discount for PHEVs) ended on 30 June 2024.
Northern Territory government incentives for EVs
Northern Territory residents purchasing an EV or PHEV will be eligible for:
- $1,500 subsidy on stamp duty (available until 30 June 2027)
- 5 years' free registration
- $1,000 grant towards the cost of a residential EV charger for eligible owners under the Electric Vehicle Charger Grant Scheme.
Calculate your total EV purchase price when applying for subsidies and rebates. Image: Ben Weinstein
Tasmania government incentives for EVs
Tasmania residents purchasing an EV will be eligible for:
- Zero-interest three-year loans between $500 and $10,000 to install EV charging infrastructure for eligible households, small businesses and non-profit organisations.
Tasmania's Electric Vehicle Rebate program, which opened in November 2023 and offered $2,000 in funding for 375 EVs, has been full since April 2024.
South Australia government incentives for EVs
South Australia ended its $3,000 EV and FCEV rebates on 31 December 2023. Buyers with a binding purchase contract that was unfulfilled by that date will, however, still receive the $3,000 rebate.
Residents purchasing an EV will still be eligible for:
Free registration for three years on eligible EVs until 30 June 2025.
Western Australia government incentives for EVs
Western Australia residents purchasing an EV will be eligible for:
$3,500 rebate on eligible EVs that retail for less than $70,000.
Newer EVs enable fast charging at certain public charging stations. Image: Shannon Morris
Buying, charging and owning an electric vehicle in Australia
Buying an EV
There’s a lot to consider when buying an EV, so here are some tips and tools to get you started.
Charging an EV
The biggest change to your driving lifestyle is how you’ll keep your EV charged. Here’s some help to keep you moving.
Owning an EV
Set yourself up for EV ownership success with expert advice on charging, energy efficiency and solar use.
