The Queensland Government has announced a $6,000 rebate under the Zero Emission Vehicle Rebate Scheme for buyers of new electric vehicles (EVs) in an effort to encourage the uptake of low-emission vehicles in the state. This move follows the trend of several other Australian states, such as Victoria and New South Wales, which have also offered incentives for EV purchases.
Check out our page to learn about all states’ EV rebates and incentives.
This initiative is part of Queensland’s broader efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a low-carbon economy. The state government has set a target of net-zero emissions by 2050 and sees the promotion of EVs as a key strategy in achieving this goal.
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Queensland Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen and Minister for Public Works and Procurement, Mick de Brenni, said: “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 $3000 to $6000 for eligible households.”
“We want more zero emission vehicles on Queensland roads with Queensland families to have access to cheaper and cleaner vehicles.”
“This is an opportunity for Queensland businesses to step up and contribute to emissions reduction through transitioning their fleet operations.
“The scheme has already proven popular, and we anticipate this will increase further with the higher threshold and rebate amount.”
Queensland Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen and Minister for Public Works and Procurement, Mick de Brenni, said: “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 $3000 to $6000 for eligible households.”
“We want more zero emission vehicles on Queensland roads with Queensland families to have access to cheaper and cleaner vehicles.”
“This is an opportunity for Queensland businesses to step up and contribute to emissions reduction through transitioning their fleet operations.
“The scheme has already proven popular, and we anticipate this will increase further with the higher threshold and rebate amount.”
The announcement also extends the rebate to Queensland firms who want to electrify their fleets.
“We also want to see fleets transition to further drive down emissions. That’s why Queensland businesses can apply for up to five rebates per financial year, providing an opportunity for local businesses to make the switch to electric fleets,” added Mr de Brenni.
“This is an opportunity for Queensland businesses to step up and contribute to emissions reduction through transitioning their fleet operations.
The plan includes investment in charging infrastructure, which is critical for addressing the issue of range anxiety – the fear that an EV will run out of charge before reaching its destination. The government aims to install new fast-charging stations across the state, as well as expanding the existing charging network. This will make it easier for EV drivers to travel longer distances and provide more options for charging their vehicles.
About the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Rebate Scheme
The ZEV scheme was first announced on July 1, 2022, but today’s increased measures will ensure that more Queenslanders and businesses have access to a wider selection of EVs at lower prices than ever before.
Changes include:
- An increase to the rebate from $3000 to $6000 for eligible households earning up to a total gross household income of $180,000 per year. Details of the new requirements, and an updated application form will be available online from July 1. Any person who purchases a new EV is encouraged to record proof of purchase to access the rebate.
- Applicants who have already applied and received a $3000 rebate under the earlier scheme, and who are under the total gross income threshold, are eligible for reassessment and an additional payment of a $3000 rebate (totalling $6000 per eligible application).
- An increase to the eligibility threshold for vehicles, which will now exclude dealer delivery fees from determining ‘dutiable value’ from $58,000 to $68,000 (inc. GST).
Further information:
- The Queensland Government has committed $45 million over three years as a part of the Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy 2022-2032 (ZEV Strategy) and Action Plan 2022-2024.
- As of last week, 1,135 EV rebates ($3,000) had already been approved for Queenslanders.
- The required process to make these changes to the ZEV rebate scheme is underway, the current scheme will remain in place until then.
- There are over 400 public charging sites right across Queensland.
- The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) predicts households that electrify completely by 2030 will spend $30,000 less in 20 years than their neighbour who doesn’t electrify.
- 1 in 3 Queenslanders already have rooftop solar, meaning they can charge their cars at home for free, powered by the Queensland sun.
Worldwide incentives introduction to switching to EVs
Queensland’s decision to increase its EV rebate comes as more and more countries and regions around the world are introducing incentives to encourage people to switch to EVs.
In the US, President Joe Biden announced the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022, and one of the plans is to boost the country’s EV industry, which includes significant funding for EV incentives and charging infrastructure. Similarly, the European Union has set a target for zero-emission vehicles on the road by 2030. It has proposed a range of measures to support this, including the provision of incentives for EV buyers.
Help to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future
The Queensland government’s plan to make EVs more affordable is a positive step towards reducing emissions and acting on climate change. By providing incentives for EV buyers, investing in charging infrastructure, and transitioning government fleets to EVs, the plan will help to create demand for EVs and make them more accessible to a wider range of consumers. This is just one example of the efforts being made worldwide to promote EVs, and it is hoped that these initiatives will help accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future.
Source&Images: QLD Government-Media Statement 21 April 2023, Mick de Brenni FaceBook, Queensland’s Zero Emissions Vehicle Strategy – Action plan 2022-2024
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