Western Australia Boosts Zero Emission Vehicle Rebate Scheme
Key Ideas
- Western Australia's Cook Government invests an additional $9.5 million in the state's Zero Emission Vehicle Rebate Scheme to meet increased demand and extend the application deadline.
- The ZEV rebate provides a $3,500 subsidy for eligible zero-emission vehicles powered by batteries or hydrogen fuel cells, further encouraging the adoption of environmentally friendly transportation.
- WA has seen significant growth in electric vehicle uptake, with EVs comprising over 1% of the state's light vehicle fleet by mid-2024, prompting further interest in the ZEV rebate.
- While WA leads in EV support with rebates, other states in Australia offer different incentives like interest-free loans, registration discounts, and charger grants to promote electrification.
The Western Australian Cook Government has allocated an additional $9.5 million to the state's Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Rebate Scheme to cater to the growing demand for environmentally friendly vehicles. The ZEV rebate, introduced in May 2022, offers a $3,500 subsidy for eligible vehicles that are zero-emissions and powered by batteries or hydrogen fuel cells. Due to increased interest and projections, the application cap has been removed, extending the deadline to 10 May 2025.
By the end of November 2024, $32.2 million had been paid out for 9,200 rebates under the scheme. Eligible vehicles must be light vehicles with a gross vehicle mass of 4.5 tonnes or less, have a maximum dutiable value of $70,000 or less, be brand new, and never previously registered either in Australia or overseas.
The rebate is provided as an electronic funds transfer after licensing and application processing, which may take 8-10 weeks. Minister David Michael noted the significant increase in electric vehicles on WA roads and the growing interest in transitioning to zero-emission vehicles due to the availability of more affordable EVs.
The State Government reported a 513% increase in electric vehicles in Western Australia between December 2021 and June 2024. While WA leads in EV rebates, other Australian states offer different incentives such as interest-free loans, registration discounts, and charger grants to promote electrification and sustainability.