QLD Government accelerates electric vehicle rebate to $6,000

Queenslanders now have an even bigger incentive to go electric, with the Palaszczuk Government announcing it will double the current EV rebate on offer to eligible households.

Originally launched in July last year, the Zero Emission Vehicle Rebate Scheme allowed qualifying Queensland residents to claim $3,000 back on the cost of electric vehicles (EVs) priced at up to $58,000. But in good news for families, the Government has now increased the rebate to $6,000, in addition to extending the eligibility threshold to EVs with a value up to $68,000.

Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen, Mick de Brenni, said the changes were designed to close the affordability gap that prevented many Aussies from switching to an EV.

“We’re seeing the prices of EVs fluctuate on the back of rising materials costs and inflation left by the Morrison Government, so we’ve increased the eligible price cap to $68,000, and increased the rebate amount from $3,000 to $6,000 for eligible households,” Minister de Brenni said.

“This is about making EVs more affordable and more accessible to all Queenslanders to slash emissions and act on climate change with cleaner technology. We want more zero emission vehicles on Queensland roads with Queensland families to have access to cheaper and cleaner vehicles.”

The increased price cap addresses one of the biggest criticisms levelled at the scheme on its 2022 launch. At the time, many Queenslanders felt that the $58,000 limit reduced the choice of EVs available, especially as other states including New South Wales and South Australia offered subsidies of up to $68,000.

This month’s change means customers can claim rebates for vehicles up to $68,000 (including GST but excluding dealer delivery fees). According to the Queensland Government, at least 23 EV models available to Australians are currently priced below the $68,000 cap, with seven more expected to be added by the end of 2023.

I know a lot of Queenslanders want to make the switch to an electric vehicle.

But with national cost-of-living pressures impacting household budgets, they’re still unaffordable for many.

So we’re doubling our EV rebate for households earning less than $180,000 a year. pic.twitter.com/m6wbvpgXxc

— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) April 21, 2023

Am I eligible for QLD’s $6,000 EV rebate?

Not everyone in Queensland will have access to the Government’s EV rebate: in addition to the price of your car, eligibility will depend on your income. The full $6,000 rebate is only open to households with a total gross income of up to $180,000 each year.

However, if you or your household earn more than $180,000 annually, you can still apply for a $3,000 rebate if your EV purchase meets the scheme’s additional eligibility requirements.

Full details of the updated scheme will be available online from July 1, 2023, via the Queensland Rural Industry and Development Authority (QRIDA) site. You’ll need to access this site to apply for the $6,000 or $3,000 rebate, and provide supporting documentation including proof of your EV purchase.

What if I’ve already claimed a $3,000 rebate?

As of mid-April, 1,135 Queenslanders had been approved for the initial $3,000 cashback – so previous applicants could feel slighted by the upcoming rebate rise.

However, households who got in early won’t necessarily miss out on that extra three grand. If you’re under the $180,000 income threshold, and have already received a $3,000 rebate under the scheme’s original conditions, you can reapply for an additional $3,000 from July 1. Again, you’ll need to fill out a new application with QRIDA, and supply proof of purchase.

EV electricity plans

Some energy retailers offer plans to customers who own EVs, which are designed to offset home charging costs. Below, you’ll find the pricing details for plans from AGL and Red Energy.

How does QLD’s EV subsidy compare to other Australian states?

In addition to offering a now-$6,000 rebate, Queensland also provides lower registration fees and lower stamp duty rates for EV buyers. However, it’s not the only state dangling discounts and cashbacks to encourage residents to switch to an EV. Here’s what else is on offer across Australia.

New South Wales

• $3,000 rebate on new electric vehicle purchases under $68,750 (first 25,000 EVs)
• Stamp duty exemption for EVs less than $78,000
• Eligible EVs can use T2 and T3 transit lanes across NSW

Victoria

• $3,000 off new EV purchase if the purchase cost is less than $68,740 (more than 20,000 subsidies available)
• Exempt from ‘luxury vehicle’ rate of stamp duty
• Registration discount worth $100 (for passenger EVs)

South Australia

• First 7,000 EVs sold will get a rebate worth $3,000 (vehicle price capped at $68,750)
• EVs worth less than $78,000 are exempt from registration costs for three years
• Up to $2,000 rebate for the first 7,500 households that install a home EV smart charger

ACT

• $15,000 interest-free loan to purchase a zero-emissions vehicle available to households (purchase threshold of $77,565)
• Full stamp duty exemption on zero emissions vehicles
• Free registration for two years for EVs purchased in the ACT before June 30, 2024
• 20% off registration fees for older EVs

Tasmania

• EV owners who rent out their car through share programs receive a $1,000 grant
• Car rental firms and coach operators get two-year waiver on EV purchases and registration
• Free stamp duty for two years on EVs

Northern Territory

• Reduced registration fees over a five-year period
• $1,500 subsidy on stamp duty over five years

Western Australia

• First 10,000 EVs sold under $70,000 will receive a $3,500 rebate
• Exemption from the 10% on-demand transport levy

Read more: Electric cars pros and cons: Should you buy one?

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