The Queensland Government has announced more financial assistance as part of a continuing initiative to make electric vehicles (EVs) more affordable to Queenslanders.
The news will result in revised eligibility standards and an increased rebate accessible to Queenslanders under the Zero Emission Vehicle Rebate Scheme, which may result in a $6,000 payout for qualified households when purchasing a new EV.
The scheme was first announced on 1 July 2022. The increased measures will ensure that more Queenslanders and companies have access to a broader selection of EVs at lower prices than ever before.
The State Government has pledged $45 million over three years as part of the Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy 2022-2032 (ZEV Strategy) and Action Plan 2022-2024.
Changes include:
- The rebate increased from $3000 to $6000 for qualified households earning up to $180,000 per year in total gross household income.
- Applicants who applied and received a $3000 rebate under the previous program and are under the total gross income level are eligible for reassessment and an additional $3000 rebate (totalling $6000 per eligible application).
- A boost in the qualifying threshold for vehicles now excludes dealer delivery expenses from determining ‘dutiable value’ from $58,000 to $68,000 (incl. GST).
“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,” Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said.
According to Minister de Brenni, Queensland is dedicated to making EVs cheaper and more accessible to all Queenslanders to cut emissions and address climate change. Minister de Brenni stated that businesses could apply for up to five subsidies per fiscal year to make the conversion to electric fleets, allowing local businesses to contribute to emissions reduction.
“The scheme has already proven popular, and we anticipate this will increase further with the higher threshold and rebate amount,” Minister de Brenni added.
The necessary process for making these changes to the ZEV rebate system is already ongoing; nevertheless, the current plan will remain in place until then.
The new requirements and an updated application form will be available online beginning 1 July. Anyone purchasing a new EV is encouraged to keep purchase documentation to qualify for reimbursement.
