New car buyers and EV advocates looking for sweeteners promoting alternative power source purchases may be disappointed by the round of upcoming state budgets.
Several of the major states including NSW, Vic and SA have ended uptake incentives but Western Australia has chosen to continue its $3500 subsidy until May next year.
Last month FCAI figures showed new EV sales slowed slightly but it is not certain what impact the discontinuation of rebates has had in the months since various states ended them.
Western Australia has formally announced the continuation of its scheme and put forward another $5.2 million in its Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Rebate Scheme, along with the ACT and Queensland who retain generous subsidies for EVs under a certain price point.
By the end of March 2024 more than over 5,900 rebate applications had been paid to EV owners in WA.
The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries welcomed the investment to supporting a low emissions future and supporting Electric Vehicle uptake in Australia.
“The ZEV Rebate Scheme, along with Western Australia’s ongoing investment in electric vehicle infrastructure, are critical steps towards reducing carbon emissions within the transport sector,” it said in a statement. “These initiatives also support the adoption of EVs and provide Western Australians certainty and reduce anxiety when purchasing a new technology.”
NSW ended a $3000 rebate on all new electric and hybrid vehicles on January 1, 2024, with the NSW Government arguing it would inject more money into EV charging and hybrid refuelling infrastructure.
Victoria scrapped its $3000 EVs rebate under $68,750 on July 1 last year and only retains a $100 discount on their rego for light or zero-emissions vehicle.
South Australia has also ended its $3000 rebate on EVs, but they can claim a three-year registration exemption for zero-emissions cars under $68,750.
But the Electric Vehicle Council maintains the Fringe Benefits tax exemption the federal government has in place is still a key incentive and will help drive fleet uptake and the number of EVs moving into the used car market.
Queensland and the ACT however have retained some bonuses. Queensland has a $6000 rebate available to those with a household income under $180,000 per year for EVs under $68,000. For those earning more the rebate is halved.
In the ACT, there is no stamp duty on hybrids or electric vehicles until June 30, 2024, there is no fee for registration.
The Tasmanian Government still has some of the allocated 375 $2000 rebates available for EVs.