Chargers are easily available

An electric vehicle (EV) is a car that runs on electricity stored in batteries instead of traditional petrol, gasoline or diesel fuel.

EVs use rechargeable batteries to power an electric motor that propels the vehicle. They can be charged by plugging into an electric power source.

Assess your home's suitability for an EV by establishing where you might park your car. Do you have a garage, driveway or parking spot where you can connect a long power cable? Or is there a charging station nearby?

If you live in an apartment block, you may need to discuss with your strata a location to charge your EV. The government is currently subsidising apartments to install EV chargers for residents.

You can charge an EV at home using a normal 3-pin wall plug or purchase a faster home charger. Otherwise look for one of the public charging stations. Some workplaces, shopping centers, and public parking areas offer charging stations as well. Many of them are free up to a certain point.

Apps to help you find chargers and plan trips:

Plug Share

A Better Route Planner

The range of an EV varies by model. Entry-level EVs may have a range of around 300 kms, while high-end models can exceed 600 kms on a single charge.

Charging times depend on the charger type and the EV's battery size. Using an ultrarapid 350kW charger can charge a car in as little as 8 minutes; whereas using a 7kW standard charging point will require around 8 hours from empty to full. Remember, you don’t have to charge it full every time though and you ca charge it before it gets empty!

There are more and more EVs on the market all the time! Here are some links you could review (current as of Nov 2023)

Currently Available - NEW

Currently Available - Second hand

Coming soon

EVs generally have fewer moving parts than internal combustion engine vehicles, leading to lower maintenance costs. They require periodic checks on the battery, motor, and other components but because they don’t have dirty fuel running through them, they need less maintenance and servicing.

Many governments offer incentives, such as tax credits or rebates, to encourage the purchase of electric vehicles.

Federally there is an Electric Car Registration & Tax: Luxury car threshold

In Australia, vehicles with high fuel efficiency, can benefit from a reduced luxury Car Tax, resulting in potential savings of up to $3,920. The tax is charged at 33c for every dollar exceeding a defined limit. The limit for most cars is $71,849 as of 2022, while for fuel-efficient cars it is set higher at $84,916.

The Treasury Laws Amendment Bill outlines a Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption

For qualifying new zero or low emissions vehicles registered from 1st July 2022 onward has been introduced by the Australian Government. Electric cars with a price below or equal to $84,916 (inclusive of GST) are eligible for an FBT exemption. More information is available in the Treasury Laws Amendment (Electric Car Discount) Bill 2022.

There are also non-government subsidies

Like this one: https://www.goodcar.co/good-car-ev-subsidy because private organisations understand the importance of moving toward a cleaner driving future fast.

We’ll help you find a rebate that you are eligible for, suits your needs and can help you get into EV ownership.

Yes, take a look at the government subsidies section that outlines the Federal FBT exemption.

There are also further exemptions and incentives at the State & Territory Level.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Incentives & Exemptions

Brand new zero emissions vehicles, including electric cars, qualify for a complete stamp duty exemption. This applies to new cars and those sold by a licensed vehicle dealer within a year of their first registration in the ACT.

From 24th May 2021 until 30th June 2024, new or used zero emissions vehicles bought or acquired in the ACT will benefit from two years of free registration. Eligibility ensures that the registration component of vehicle registration fees will be waived. Other fees, charges, or levies associated with vehicle registration still apply.

Under the ACT Sustainable Household Scheme, new or used zero emissions vehicles bought or acquired in the ACT with a price less than $84,916 qualify for a 0% interest rate for up to $15,000 of their vehicle price when financed. Visit the ACT Sustainable Household Scheme for more details on eligibility.

New South Wales (NSW) Incentives & Exemptions

Starting from 1st September 2021, the NSW Government will provide a $3,000 discount for the first 25,000 new battery electric vehicles valued under $68,750 (inclusive of GST). The discount isn't applicable to used and demonstrator vehicles.

A stamp duty exemption is available for new and used electric vehicles valued up to and including $78,000 (inclusive of GST). From 1st November, qualified electric vehicles can use Transit T2 and T3 lanes until at least 31st October 2022.

Eligibility and Application Process: For vehicles bought from 1st September 2021, the EV discount is accessible to residents of New South Wales and businesses located in the state. Novated lease vehicles are not eligible. The application process started on 1st November 2021. For eligible vehicles delivered from 15th August 2022 onward, the Stamp Duty Exemption will be applied to the Final Invoice.

Queensland (QLD) Incentives & Exemptions

Starting 21st April 2023, the QLD government will provide a $3,000 or $6,000 discount on new zero emission vehicles valued at or below $68,000 (inclusive of GST, delivery fees excluded). This discount is not applicable to used and demonstrator vehicles.

In addition, electric and hybrid vehicles enjoy a lower stamp duty: $2 per $100 up to a $100,000 value, and $4 per $100 value afterward (compared to up to $6 per $100 for more polluting vehicles).

Eligibility and Application Process: For vehicles bought from 21st April 2023, the EV discount is accessible to residents of Queensland and businesses located in the state. Households with an annual gross income up to $180,000 may be eligible for a $6,000 discount. Households with income above this threshold may qualify for a $3,000 discount. Novated lease vehicles are not eligible. The details of new requirements and an updated application form will be available online from 1st July 2023.

South Australia (SA) Incentives & Exemptions

As of October 28, 2021, the government of South Australia provides a $3,000 rebate for the first 7,000 new battery electric vehicles with a total value below $68,750 (GST included). The rebate is applicable to demonstrator vehicles that fulfill the stamp duty exemption criteria, but not for used vehicles.

Furthermore, new battery electric vehicles that cost less than $68,750 (GST included) qualify for three years of complimentary registration (exclusive of other charges). This exemption is valid for new electric vehicles initially registered between October 28, 2021, and June 30, 2025.

Eligibility & Claiming the Rebate: South Australian residents and businesses operating in the state who purchase qualifying vehicles from October 28, 2021, are eligible for the EV rebate. Rebates are limited to one per individual and two per business. The vehicles must be registered in South Australia and cannot have previously received a rebate in another jurisdiction. The rebate is applicable even for vehicles bought before October 28, 2021, if they are registered for the first time after this date. The rebate can be claimed using the subsidy application form.

Up to $2,000 rebate for the first 7,500 households that install an EV smart charger at home.

Victoria (VIC) Incentives & Exemptions

Starting May 2, 2021, the Victorian government provides a $3,000 Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Subsidy for new zero emissions vehicles priced less than $68,740 (GST included). This subsidy is limited to the first 4,000 vehicles registered in Victoria. Another 16,000 incentives will be provided, but the specifics are yet to be determined.

Electric vehicles are also exempt from the "luxury vehicle" stamp duty, instead paying a fixed rate of $8.40 per $200 of the vehicle's market value. All electric vehicles receive an additional $100 discount on their annual vehicle registration.

Eligibility & Claiming the Subsidy: Victorian residents and businesses who purchase eligible vehicles from May 2, 2021, can avail of the ZEV Subsidy. Each individual is entitled to one subsidy and each business to two. The subsidy is subtracted from the total on-road price on the final tax invoice. If eligibility cannot be established, any quotes or invoices including the subsidy will be voided.

Tasmania (TAS) Incentives & Exemptions

From July 1, 2021, the state of Tasmania waives the stamp duty for all new and used electric vehicles. This two-year initiative aids in decreasing the upfront cost of electric vehicles. The stamp duty exemption is set to expire June 30 2023.

Free registration is offered for two years on EVs purchased by car rental companies and coach operators.

Northern Territory (NT) Incentives & Exemptions

Northern Territory residents purchasing an EV will be eligible for A$1,500 subsidy on stamp duty for pure EVs and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) for 5 years from July 2022. There is cheaper registration for EVs and PHEVs for 5 years from July 2022 and grants for home, workplace and public EV chargers. Information can be found here

Western Australia (WA) Incentives & Exemptions

As of May 10, 2022, the Western Australian government provides a $3,500 Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Rebate for the first 10,000 new zero emissions vehicles priced at or below $70,000 (GST included). The rebate can also be applied to demonstrator vehicles registered on or after May 10, 2022, but not to used vehicles.

Eligibility & Claiming the Rebate: Western Australian residents and businesses that register eligible vehicles from May 10, 2022, can apply for the ZEV Rebate. Vehicles acquired through a novated lease agreement are also eligible. Applications for the rebate opened on May 10, 2022, and the approved applicants will start receiving payments from July 1, 2022.

It's a good idea to research different models and consider your needs before making a decision. We host open days and we can also put you in touch with EV owners for a chat about their decision pathway.

Does boot space matter to you? Roof racks? How old are your kids? How far do you usually travel?

Let us know and we can talk with you about what’s available.

For low cost EV’s we love The Good Car Co who import EVs from Europe and bring EV’s within reach of every Australian.

The Electric Vehicle Council lists all the electric vehicles you can buy in Australia. There are more than you might think.

The Australian Electric Vehicle Association publishes fact sheets comparing range and availability.

Current models are also listed here.

Or come and talk to us and we will help you decide!

If employed, novated leasing is one of the most affordable ways to own an EV due to tax exemptions (you could shave $8000 off the cost of your EV).

Find out more

While EVs might have a higher upfront cost, over a 10 year period owning an EV is a small fraction of the cost of a petrol vehicle. EV’s have lower maintenance and operational costs, zero fuel costs and incentives are making EVs accessible to every Australian. Not having to pay for petrol saves thousands of dollars for each household every year and makes them want these savings in their energy bills as well!

A common distraction is to talk about when the battery needs to be replaced. Just like when you upgrade your mobile phone, or petrol vehicle, you’ll likely want to upgrade your car in future. Batteries, like phones, get fancier every year. At the moment, they can return power from the car back to the electrical grid in some states! Replacing your battery won’t be more expensive than a 100,00km service and you would have saved thousands from not buying petrol over the next decade.

EVs contain lithium, which is mined to create batteries. It’s a great resource and it can be recycled.

In 2018, China, which has the largest EV market and lithium-ion battery production, implemented rules around the reuse of EV battery components. Last year, the European Union passed rules for battery recycling that requires a certain percentage of recycled materials to be used in the manufacturing of new batteries. The lithium issue is completely manageable but is often used as a distraction from the reality of the graph above. The impact of mining lithium is much smaller than that of petrol extraction. Electric is better for people’s health, environment and bank account.

More info: https://theicct.org/publication%2Fa-global-comparison-of-the-life-cycle-greenhouse-gas-emissions-of-combustion-engine-and-electric-passenger-cars

Can our electric grid handle it?

Yes - we get lots of sunshine all day in Australia and can recharge our cars with solar. This has been confirmed by SAPN here in SA.

EVs also provide an opportunity to improve the duck curve we experience by soaking up all the RE in the day, while cars are at home or work.

You can maximise your savings via a TOU (time of use) electricity Tariff.

Another tactic used is to say that EV batteries are involved in fires - which is completely debunked, you can find more out here; https://www.evfiresafe.com/

Additionally, a Swedish study from May 2023 showed that petrol cars are more than 20 times likely to catch fire. All fires are extremely rare - it’s just fearmongering against change.

There isa fundamental difference in the batteries in EVs and phones, vapes, laptops, scooters etc - which have far less regulation.

While the upfront cost of EVs can seem high at the moment, we encourage you to factor in the long-term savings when making your calculations. The average Australian household spends over $3000 every year just on fuel costs, compared with a few hundred dollars charging an EV (or free if you can charge it using your daytime solar).

The cost of EVs is also declining, especially if the federal government introduces more policies to support this market transition, such as the fuel efficiency standards recently introduced to Parliament).

This is a rapidly changing space, with new models coming online regularly.

As new EV models are launched and second hand ones hit the resale market, electric cars are still in outstanding condition with clean engines, and minimal wear and tear. They have been selling quickly. Not only have early owners of EV’s saved money but they’ve been able to recoup significant value when they next upgrade.

In the last few years demand for EV’s has been outstripping supply and that has been hugely beneficial for for early adopting owners, with some owners reporting up to 100% resale value.

While no one can accurately predict what a car will be worth three years from now, we’d expect an EV bought today to be worth more than the ‘48% rate after 3 years’ the ATO stipulates.

For businesses, we assume you’re taking advantage of the fringe benefits tax (FBT) exemption that applies to EVs below the luxury car tax threshold, and you are novated leasing, so you will not only get the tax benefits but could also have a car worth more than the final payment on a lease after three years.

Hydrogen is a very inefficient and volatile fuel. In Australia at the moment there are only 2 locations for sourcing Hydrogen fuel. It’s not a viable option for people for at least 15 years, if ever. Electric is available now and is cheaper than traditional cars. We’ve moved on to electric.