Car Industry 3 January 2025

What were the EV rebates in Australia?

Making sustainable choices is something that is in the back of all our minds, which is why so many people are opting for Electric Vehicles (EVs). But how can you care for the environment without sacrificing your bank balance? Well, in Australia you can actually save on the cost of buying a hybrid or EV, with several Federal and State Government rebates potentially available to sweeten the deal. These rebates are designed to help encourage drivers to swap to EV, helping our world in the process.

If you’re in the market for an electric car, keep reading to find out about the EV rebates available in your state before you buy (or rebates that were previously available). There may be offers available to help you save thousands, depending where you live.

How does an EV rebate work?

EV rebates are incentives offered by the Federal and/or State Governments to offset the cost of purchasing an electric vehicle (EV). Each incentive is a little different, whether it’s a discount, a refund received after purchase, a fee that’s waived, among others. There is also eligibility criteria, such as the type of vehicle you can buy, how much it costs and other state-specific requirements.

Is there a rebate for electric cars in Australia?

There are both Federal (nation-wide) and State Government rebates for electric car purchases in Australia. The Australian Government has removed the 5% import tariff on EVs to help lower upfront costs, and a fringe benefits tax (FBT) exemption on eligible low- or zero-emission vehicles first held and used after 1 July 2022.

These benefits, and EV rebates, differ depending on the respective state and may change over time.

QLD EV rebate

There is more than one EV rebate QLD drivers can take advantage of, including rebates and discounted registration fees. At the time of writing this article, the current Queensland EV rebates include:

  • $3,000 Queensland Zero Emission Vehicle Rebate Scheme to receive a $3,000 rebate on a new eligible zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) up to a dutiable value of $68,000 (including GST) on or after 21 April 2023 for businesses.
  • Discounted registration duty on hybrid and electric vehicles.
  • Discounted registration fees in 2024, which were frozen for all vehicle types.

According to the Queensland Government, these rebates could mean a $12,841.08 saving if you were to purchase an eligible $55,000 EV.

NSW EV rebate

Other than the Federal Government EV rebate, NSW EV purchasers do not currently have any open incentives at the time of this article being published. Also, it is worth checking the NSW Government website at the time of purchasing your EV to confirm the most up to date rebates.

In the past, the NSW Government has offered:

  • NSW EV Rebate, which was a $3,000 rebate for battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles with a dutiable value of less than $68,750, which closed in December 2023.
  • NSW stamp duty exemption, which entitled you to a stamp duty refund on new or used battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell light vehicles (under 4.5 tonnes) up to a dutiable value of $78,000. This also closed in December 2023.

WA EV rebate

The highest EV rebate WA locals can receive at the time of this article is $3,500. This is through the:

  • Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Rebate Scheme, which is a $3,500 rebate on the purchase of a brand new, light zero-emission vehicle (powered solely by batteries or hydrogen fuel cells) of a dutiable value of $70,000 or less.

This Western Australia EV rebate can take up to 8 to 10 weeks process, and you must be able to verify your eligibility.

How to get WA EV rebate

To apply for the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Rebate Scheme in NSW, you’ll need to complete the Application of Zero Emission Vehicle Rebate (E120) Form.

You’ll need to submit your form with the required documentation, which includes a copy of your Vehicle Licence and Motor Injury Insurance Policy for the vehicle, a copy of your bank statement showing your nominated account details, and a letter on company letterhead signed by the organisation’s direction with the nominated bank account, if you’re a business.

The application can then either be submitted via email or by mail. For more information, visit the Transport WA website.

SA EV rebate

In South Australia, there is a registration free exemption for new battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles valued up to $68,750 (inclusive of GST) up until the 30 June 2025. This is automatically applied.

ACT EV rebate

The ACT currently has free registration for EVs and discounted registration for hybrid vehicles, which is applied at the time of registering your new car. You can apply for interest-free locals between $2,000 to $15,000 to help with the costs of energy-efficient upgrades, including battery storage systems, available via the ACT Government website.

Victoria EV rebate

The only EV rebate Victoria has in place at the time of publication is a $100 registration fee discount and a reduced motor vehicle duty rates. These are applied at time of registration.

Tasmania EV rebate

Through the Tasmanian Energy Saver Loan Scheme, you can access a 0% interest loan between $500 to $10,000 to buy more energy-efficient upgrades and products. You can apply via the Brighte website.

Northern Territory EV rebate

The Northern Territory has waived stamp duty and registration fees for eligible EV vehicles, which is applied at the time of registration. There is also an Electric Vehicle Charger Grants Scheme available for a set number of eligible individuals and businesses, which can be applied for via the NT Government website.

Which state has the best EV rebate?

The Queensland Government currently has the highest maximum EV rebates available, with up to $6,000 of rebates available. This is in addition to discounted registration duties and fees. This is followed by Western Australia with $3,500 worth of rebates, and Tasmania, which has $2,000 worth of rebates on offer.

What cars are eligible for EV rebate?

Most EV rebates in Australia are eligible for new zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVS). Depending on the state and rebate, you may be eligible for support for used ZEVS, as well as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles. There may also be cost caps, with most ranging between $40,000 to $80,000.

Can you claim EV rebate on a novated lease?

You can claim some EV rebates on novated lease vehicles. The Federal Government has also waived fringe benefits tax (FBT) on eligible low- or zero-emission vehicles first held or used after 1 July 2022.

When does EV rebate end?

Many EV rebates in Australia ended in 2023 and 2024, including the NSW EV rebate and the NSW stamp duty exemption, which both closed in December 2023, and the SA EV subsidy (closed December 2023). The Queensland Government’s $6,000 rebate was closed in September 2024. The Northern Territory is waiving stamp duty on eligible EVs until June 2027.

Still deciding whether an EV is for you?

There are some differences between petrol and electric vehicles you should know before purchasing an EV, such as the difference between EV tyres and regular tyres. For all your EV enquiries, EV servicing and repairs, our team at mycar is here to help.

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