Government to expand successful EV rebate scheme

• $5.2 million investment to meet demand for the Zero Emissions Vehicle rebate
• More than 5,900 rebate applications paid out to date, totalling more than $20 million
• Part of the Cook Government's Clean Energy Car Fund to encourage zero emission vehicles in WA

The Cook Labor Government will invest a further $5.2 million for the Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) rebate as part of the 2024-25 State Budget, to meet expected demand for the scheme as Western Australians embrace electric vehicles (EVs).

Since the announcement of the ZEV rebate in 2022, sales of electric vehicles in Western Australia have grown significantly, with an almost fourfold increase in sales since June 2022.

Up to 31 March 2024, more than 5,900 ZEV rebate applications have been paid to EV owners in WA, totalling almost $20.7 million.

The ZEV scheme provides a $3,500 rebate for people who purchase an eligible vehicle and apply to the Department of Transport. Applications will be accepted until midnight on Saturday 10 May 2025.

To be eligible for the rebate, the vehicle must:

• be a zero-emission vehicle and be fully powered by batteries or hydrogen fuel cells;
• be a light vehicle (vehicle with a gross vehicle mass of 4.5 tonne or less), including:
  • light passenger vehicles, such as sedans, hatchbacks and sports utility vehicles (SUVs);
  • light commercial vehicles; and
  • light trucks.
• be granted a vehicle licence in WA on or after Tuesday 10 May 2022;
• have a maximum dutiable value of $70,000 or less; and
• be brand new and never previously been registered or licensed in Australia or overseas.

The Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Rebate Scheme is a financial incentive to encourage the purchase of zero emission vehicles as part of the Government's Clean Energy Car Fund.

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"We've seen huge growth in the number of Western Australians purchasing electric vehicles and our rebate scheme is one of the reasons we're seeing such a high take-up.

"We know the cost can make electric vehicles prohibitive for many people, but these rebates are helping to make it more affordable and increasing demand within WA.

"Having so many people purchasing electric vehicles is a step in the right direction as we pursue our goal to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

"The electrification of transport is one of the key measures that will help us achieve this, and further investment from our Government in this scheme, along with more EVs arriving in the WA market and falling prices, we will see even more people to make the switch to zero emission vehicles."

Comments attributed to Minister Assisting the Transport Minister David Michael:

"Since the State Government announced the Zero Emissions Vehicle rebate in the 2022-23 State Budget, more than 6,500 rebate applications have been received and more than 100,000 people have sought further information on the Department of Transport website.

"The number of Western Australian's purchasing ZEVs has exceeded expectations and the Cook Government is pleased to be able to allocate another $5.2 million to the ZEV Rebate Scheme to enable more drivers to take up the rebate."