Other states may have ended their electric vehicle (EV) subsidies, but Western Australia is investing more money into its scheme.
The Cook Labor Government has announced it’s investing an additional $5.2 million in the Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) rebate as part of the 2024-25 State Budget.
The scheme sees buyers receive a $3500 rebate after purchasing an eligible EV and applying to the Department of Transport.
There has been no change to the end date of the scheme, and applications will continue to be accepted until midnight on May 10, 2025. The cap is likewise unchanged at a total of 10,000 vehicles.
To be eligible, vehicles must have a maximum dutiable value of $70,000 or less, have a gross vehicle mass (GVM) under 4.5 tonnes, and must be brand new or never previously registered here or overseas.
Hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are eligible, but hybrids and plug-in hybrids aren’t.
The Cook Labor Government says it has handed out more than 5900 rebates since the scheme was introduced in May 2022, totalling almost $20.7 million.
It says that since June 2022, EV sales have increased almost fourfold in the state.
“We’ve seen huge growth in the number of Western Australians purchasing electric vehicles and our rebate scheme is one of the reasons we’re seeing such a high take-up,” said Transport Minister Rita Saffioti.
“We know the cost can make electric vehicles prohibitive for many people, but these rebates are helping to make it more affordable and increasing demand within WA.
“Having so many people purchasing electric vehicles is a step in the right direction as we pursue our goal to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
“The electrification of transport is one of the key measures that will help us achieve this, and further investment from our Government in this scheme, along with more EVs arriving in the WA market and falling prices, we will see even more people to make the switch to zero emission vehicles.”
Very few jurisdictions still offer EV rebates in Australia. Victoria’s subsidy scheme ended on June 30, 2023, while New South Wales and South Australia’s schemes ended on January 1, 2024.
While some states and territories offer incentives like stamp duty exemptions, only Queensland still offers subsidies.
The Sunshine State offers a $3000 rebate for EVs with a dutiable value of $68,000, and a total of $6000 in subsidies for a similar vehicle if your total household taxable income is equal to or less than $180,000 per annum.
MORE: What electric car buyer incentives are offered across Australia?
