Until very recently in Australia, unlike almost every other country in the OECD, there was no incentive at any level of government to buy electric vehicles.
Sure, the Federal Government has a higher threshold for green cars before it applied the Luxury Car Tax, but that applies to any car with fuel efficiency below 7.0 litres per 100km, and can’t really be called an electric vehicle (EV) incentive.
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.
Australian Capital Territory
Until the New South Wales policy announcement in 2021, the ACT claimed it had the most generous incentives of all.
New EVs are exempt from stamp duty, equivalent around $2700 for a $60,000 car the 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.
MORE: ACT government moving public-servant fleet to EVs, will slash running costs
MORE: All ACT new car sales to be zero-emissions by 2030 under ambitious plan
New South Wales
In straight dollar terms, NSW is now certainly in the incentive lead. Just like the ACT, new and used EVs (under $78,000) are exempt from stamp duty.
In addition to this, the first 25,000 electric vehicles sold under $68,750 attract a $3000 rebate on the purchase price.
Along with these incentives comes over $170 million to be spent on charging infrastructure within New South Wales.
MORE: NSW State Government announces sweeping electric-vehicle stimulus package
MORE: NSW electric car incentive package passes into law
Queensland
Queensland has joined several other states in releasing a policy designed to increase the uptake of electric vehicles.
Starting in July 2022 and continuing for three years, Queensland electric vehicle buyers will be eligible for a $3000 subsidy for any new electric vehicle priced under $58,000.
This $45 million scheme will be joined by a further $10 million to be spent on charging infrastructure.
This adds to previously instituted lower registration and stamp duty costs for electric vehicles, as well as the earlier construction of the ‘Electric Vehicle Superhighway’ designed to provide favourably spaced high speed charging stations the length of the state’s east coast.
MORE: Queensland the latest state to offer $3000 EV subsidy
Victoria
New electric and hydrogen vehicles (under $68,740) attract a subsidy of $3000.
There are more than 20,000 subsidies to be given out under the present scheme, with the first batch numbering 4000. Victoria also has an electric car infrastructure package worth $19 million.
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 $69,152.
Conventionally-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 has already started to make EV drivers pay a road user charge of 2.5 cents per km (2.0 cents for plug-in hybrids) whereas such a charge in NSW and SA won’t start until 2027.
Victorian EV motorists can expect to part with $250 if they do a typical 10,000km per year.
MORE: Victoria passes electric vehicle road tax
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South Australia
South Australia offers a $3000 rebate on the first 7000 new battery-electric vehicles under $68,750 including GST.
Demonstrators and used cars do not qualify for the scheme. New battery-electric cars under the same $68,750 incl. GST are also eligible for three years of free registration fees, although other insurance-related charges may apply.
MORE: South Australia passes electric car rebates – and road user tax
Tasmania
New and used electric vehicles are exempt from stamp duty, which will shave around $2400 from the on-road price of a $60,000 vehicle.
There is also two years of free registration for EVs used for rental purposes, covering both private ride sharing operators, and rental companies.
Tasmania is also spending $600,000 to expand its DC public fast charging network.
Northern Territory
The NT Government announced measures in 2021, set to take effect in mid-2022, to promote EV uptake.
There are no rebates, but electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid with more than 50km of range get a $1500 stamp duty discount until mid-2027. The state also offers free registration up to mid-2027.
There will also be some investment in charging facilities, although what form that will take isn’t yet clear.
MORE: Northern Territory commits to electric car incentives
Western Australia
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.
There are no electric vehicle purchase incentives.
MORE: Western Australia building country’s longest ‘electric highway’
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 most popular variant of the Model 3 sedan in its least expensive trim configuration. The prices include Tesla’s recent mid-March price increase.
The biggest variable behind the differences in the states (after any rebate) is the amount of stamp duty. Stamp duty is non-existent or negligible in the cheapest states, and Western Australia’s pricing reflects its status as the stamp duty heavyweight with purchasers hit with more than $4000 in duty.
- Australian Capital Territory: $62,255
- New South Wales: $63,694
- Northern Territory: $68,345 if purchased prior to July 2022, $66,649 after July 1, 2022
- Queensland: $67,664 if purchased prior to July 2022, $64,664 after July 1, 2022
- South Australia: $65,883
- Tasmania: $66,201
- Victoria: $66,361
- Western Australia: $70,876
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
MORE: 2022 Tesla Model 3 prices up as wait times are extended
