Other states may have ended their electric vehicle (EV) subsidies, but Western Australia invests more money in its program.
The Cook Labor government has announced it will invest an additional $5.2 million in the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) rebate as part of the 2024-25 state budget.
The program provides buyers with a $3,500 rebate after purchasing an eligible electric vehicle and submitting an application to the Department of Transportation.
There is no change to the end date of the regulation, applications will continue to be accepted until May 10, 2025, midnight. The upper limit also remains 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 weight (GVM) of less than 4.5 tonnes and be brand new or never previously registered here or abroad.
Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are eligible, but hybrids and plug-in hybrids are not.
Cook’s Labor government says it has provided more than 5,900 rebates totaling almost $20.7 million since the program was launched in May 2022.
It says electric vehicle sales in the state have nearly quadrupled since June 2022.
“We have seen a huge increase in the number of Western Australians purchasing electric vehicles and our rebate scheme is one of the reasons we are seeing such high demand,” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said.
“We know the cost can make electric vehicles unaffordable for many people, but these discounts help make them more affordable and increase demand in WA.
“Having so many people buying electric vehicles is a step in the right direction as we pursue our goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.”
“Electrifying transport is one of the key measures that will help us achieve this and further investment from our Government in this program, as well as more electric vehicles in the WA market and falling prices, will mean even more people do this. “Switch to zero-emission vehicles.”
Very few jurisdictions still offer electric vehicle rebates in Australia. Victoria’s subsidy program ended on June 30, 2023, while New South Wales and South Australia’s programs ended on January 1, 2024.
While some states and territories offer incentives such as stamp duty exemptions, only Queensland still offers subsidies.
The Sunshine State offers a $3,000 rebate for electric vehicles with a taxable value of $68,000 and a total of $6,000 in grants for a similar vehicle if your total taxable household income is $180,000 or less per year.
MORE: What electric car buyer incentives are on offer across Australia?