In April 2023, the Palaszczuk QLD government announced changes to the 2022 Zero Emission Vehicle Rebate Scheme, doubling the electric vehicle rebate for Queenslanders from $3000 to $6000. The additional financing from the QLD government comes with a wealth of implications for the motor vehicle industry in 2023 and beyond.
This article will dive into the latest Queensland electric car rebates, the additional incentives available for electric vehicle owners, and what this means for the future, making it an ideal reference point for those seeking reliable and up-to-date information on the electric car rebates in Queensland for 2023.
What Are Electric Car Rebates?
Electric car rebates are government-provided financial incentives designed to encourage the purchase of electric vehicles. The rebates have made electric cars more affordable and accessible to the general public. As more and more Aussies switch to electric vehicles, greenhouse gas emissions from cars should decrease.
The transport sector made up 19% of all of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions in 2022 — 60% of these emissions were from passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. This makes the reduction of vehicular carbon emissions one of Australia’s number one priorities. One of the best ways to do this is to encourage a transition to electric vehicles and reduce the reliance and emission of harmful carbon and greenhouse gases.
Queensland Electric Car Rebates for 2023
The Queensland government is dedicating $45 million over three years, from 2022 to 2024, to their Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy and Action Plan. Part of that strategy is devoting more money to the electric vehicle rebates. As of April, the QLD electric car rebates for 2023 are currently the most generous vehicle-related subsidy of any Australian state or territory.
Why was it changed?
The electric car rebates were changed to make electric vehicles (EVs) more accessible to Queenslanders. Using cleaner technology like EVs will help reduce carbon emissions and reduce the impacts of climate change.
What’s the new rebate amount?
The electric vehicle rebates for Queensland have been increased to $6000 as of April 2023 — this is an increase of double the previous rebate, which was $3000. The purchase price threshold for the rebate was also increased from $58,000 to $68,000, meaning buyers have far more choices of electric vehicles if they want to get the rebate. This means buyers can get a $6000 rebate for the top-selling Tesla Model 3, the Cupra Born, the Nissan Leaf e+, and the Polestar 2, among other models,
How do you qualify?
To be eligible for the QLD electric car rebates, your vehicle must be new and fully electric — not hybrid. It must also have a purchase price below $68,000 — an increased eligibility cap from the previous $58,000. The rebate is available to both private and business buyers — however, applicants must have a combined household income of $180,000 or less to qualify.
How to apply for the rebate
To apply for the QLD electric car rebate, you must be a private or business buyer of a fully electric vehicle below $68,000. You can apply for the rebate at your point of purchase through participating dealerships.
Additional Incentives for Electric Vehicle Owners in QLD
As well as the overall increase to the rebate and a lift to the eligibility cap, the Queensland government is offering additional incentives for electric vehicle owners, such as the following:
Reduced Registration Fees
There are reduced registration fees for electric vehicles in Queensland, making registration more affordable for EV owners.
Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Support
As of 2023, there are more than 300 public charging stations across Queensland, with 63 of these being DC fast chargers. Private companies and local councils alike are working on making more charging stations available and supporting electric vehicle infrastructure.
Other Benefits
Electric vehicle owners may experience relaxed thresholds or exemptions for the Luxury Car Tax and other tax benefits. Some local councils in Queensland also offer incentives like free or discounted parking for EV owners.
Electric Vehicle Market in Australia
The electric vehicle market has steadily grown in Australia in the past few years. Between 2021 and 2022, there was a 65% increase in the national electric vehicle market share.
With more and more Australians recognising and taking advantage of the benefits that electric vehicles offer, the EV market is expected to see continued growth. The Queensland government has announced their goal for 50% of all new car sales to be electric vehicles by 2030 and 100% by 2036.
Environmental Impact of Electric Vehicles
Not only do the rebates make EVs more affordable, but they are also environmentally friendly, low-maintenance, and cost-efficient. The average EV user would pay between 3 and 5 dollars per 100 km, which is excellent news for buyers switching from petrol-run vehicles as petrol and oil prices rise ever higher.
Electric cars emit zero tailpipe emissions, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality, especially in urban areas. A clean environment and a healthier population are essential benefits of switching to electric vehicles — a key reason why so many resources are devoted to making them more accessible to the general public.
Final Thoughts
Queensland’s 2023 electric car rebates make the switch to zero-emission vehicles more appealing than ever. With an increasing wealth of additional incentives and benefits for owners of electric cars, Australians can expect to see a wider global trend towards sustainable transportation.
Driven by government support, it won’t just be Queensland; Australia and the world will continue to invest in EV infrastructure, promote the use of zero-emission vehicles, and drive steady growth in electric vehicle sales.
Whether you’re in the market to buy your first, second, third, or hundredth electric vehicle, you’ll need the relevant finances. If you need help financing or obtaining insurance for your new electric vehicle, contact the finance experts at Credit One.
With years of experience in the Australian car market and considerable expertise with modern electric vehicles, we can help you successfully get your next car loan, so you can enjoy the best of modern automobiles and contribute to a greener future for Australia.
