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Australia’s biggest mining state has announced a spate of new policies to increase electric vehicle uptake.
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New electric car taxes and incentives have been rolled out simultaneously in Western Australia – alongside a plan to expand the state’s charging network.
From 2027 electric and hydrogen vehicle owners will be charged 2.5 cents per kilometre to make up for fuel excise losses. Hybrid cars will pay 2.0 cents.
Covering the average annual distance of 15,000km, this equates to a $375 bill for motorists in electric or hydrogen cars and $300 for hybrid drivers.
Meanwhile, buyers of the next 10,000 zero tailpipe-emission cars priced below $70,000 in the state will rebated $3500 to incentivise local uptake.
Infrastructure will be expanded with eight new highway charging stations and installation subsidies for small businesses, at a cost of $22.6 million.
A further $31 million has been allocated for nondescript “climate action research and planning,” bringing the total spending package to $60 million.
“These significant investments will … ensure WA can have a prosperous low carbon future,” premier Mark McGowan said in a media statement.
Justifying the introduction of new taxes, Mr McGowan told the ABC: “Unfortunately we have to fund the roads [and] we have to put money into maintenance.”
The funding comes on top of the existing Future Fuels Fund, announced last year and subsidising approximately 400 charging stations built by the private sector.
Analysis of registration data by The Driven found Tesla sales in Western Australia climbed 445 per cent year on-year between 2020 and 2021.
The new state government policy is similar to those announced in Victoria and NSW last year, with road-user taxes announced with electric vehicle rebates.
To read more about Australia’s electric vehicle policies state by state click here.
He has maintained a primary focus on industry trends, autonomous technology, electric vehicle regulations, and local environmental policy.
As the newest addition to the Drive team, William was brought onboard for his attention to detail, writing skills, and strong work ethic.
Despite writing for a diverse range of outlets – including the Australian Financial Review, Robb Report, and Property Observer – since completing his media degree at Macquarie University, William has always had a passion for cars.
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