Plico Team
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Electric vehicle (EV) use is continuing to grow across Australia as more drivers look for ways to reduce fuel costs and household emissions.
While drivers may be keen to get behind the wheel of an electric vehicle, upfront costs remain a consideration. Federal tax treatment and lower home-charging costs may help eligible buyers, but WA’s former EV purchase rebate is now closed.
In this guide, we explain what is currently available to EV buyers in Western Australia, including the closed WA rebate, federal tax treatment and ways to reduce home-charging costs.
Are you thinking about going electric? Contact Plico today to learn how to power your EV with solar and explore your charging options.
Understanding Electric Vehicle Rebates in Western Australia
Electric car rebates are financial incentives provided by the federal and/or state governments to support the shift from petrol and diesel vehicles to low- and zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs).
Federal Electric Vehicle Incentives
The Australian Government offers two significant nationwide incentives that can substantially reduce the cost of owning an electric vehicle.
Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption
The federal Electric Car Discount may exempt eligible employer-provided battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles from FBT, including some novated leases. It is not a cash rebate; eligibility depends on how the vehicle is provided and whether Luxury Car Tax is payable.
Plug-in hybrids are generally not eligible for new arrangements. Limited grandfathering may apply where the relevant conditions are met; check the current ATO guidance or speak with a registered tax professional.
The luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold benefit
Luxury Car Tax (LCT) is not an EV rebate. However, whether an EV incurs LCT can affect eligibility for the FBT exemption. LCT thresholds are reviewed annually, so check the current ATO threshold before entering a salary-package or novated-lease arrangement.
State-based rebates
State incentives vary and can change. In WA, the former ZEV purchase rebate is closed, so use official WA Government sources to check the latest EV policy and program information.
Electric Car Rebates in WA
WA’s former Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Rebate Scheme is closed, and applications are no longer accepted.
WA EV Rebates and Incentives
The former scheme offered a $3,500 rebate for eligible new battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. It is included here for context only; it is no longer available to new buyers.
The WA Government has also supported public and workplace charging through the Charge Up grants program. The latest round is closed, and it was aimed at eligible organisations rather than individual household charger installations.
Can You Combine Rebates?
WA’s former ZEV rebate cannot be combined with current incentives because the scheme is closed. Eligible employer-provided EV arrangements may still receive federal FBT treatment, but this is not a direct purchase rebate.
There is currently no WA household EV charger rebate. Check any employer, energy retailer or local program separately, as eligibility varies.
What’s Currently Available for EV Buyers?
WA does not currently offer an open EV purchase rebate. Depending on your circumstances, the relevant support may be federal FBT treatment for an eligible employer-provided EV, or lower charging costs through an appropriate electricity plan and solar generation.
Charging an EV with rooftop solar can reduce the amount of grid electricity you buy. A solar battery may also help you store solar energy for later use, depending on your system design and energy needs.
Charge your EV with solar
Plico can help you explore a solar + battery setup that suits your home, driving habits and EV charging needs.
Because of Western Australia’s unique, sunny climate, you can power your home and your EV with solar energy even in the winter, and save money while you do it.
To find out how to charge an EV with solar or estimate your potential savings, speak with the switched-on Plico team today.