This page provides an overview of Western Australia’s initiatives to support the transition to electric vehicles (EVs). It includes useful advice for consumers and businesses looking to buy an EV, available grants, and what to consider before bringing one home.
It also outlines the State Electric Vehicle Strategy for Western Australia (State EV Strategy) and how it is supporting the adoption of EVs. This includes investing over $200 million to support the electrification or cars and buses in Western Australia through:
- $36.5 million to provide 10,000 rebates of $3,500 to Western Australians who buy a new EV or hydrogen fuel cell vehicle up to a value of $70,000, through the Clean Energy Car Fund
- $23 million for the WA EV Network to provide EV owners with confidence that they can access fast-charging stations along major travel routes, as well as tourism locations across our state
- $5 million to support local governments to install charging infrastructure by providing grants of up to 50 per cent of the installation costs through the Charge Up grant scheme
- $10 million to support not-for-profit and SMEs with grants of up to 50 per cent of installing charging infrastructure around the state, through the Charge Up grant scheme
- $4 million to trial the installation of EV charging infrastructure at up to four train stations, providing car parking bays with commuter charging access
- $125 million in State Government funding to match $125 million invested by the Australian Government to deliver 130 new locally built electric buses and charging infrastructure at key depots.
Advice for consumers buying an EV and available rebates
If you are buying your first electric vehicle, there are a few things to consider. Like, where do I charge it, how much will it cost to recharge and what do I need to do to get my house ready for an EV? The following videos provide helpful information for those considering buying an EV for the first time:
Government rebates and incentives
In May 2022, the State Government introduced the Zero Emissions Vehicle Rebate Scheme to encourage the purchase of zero emissions vehicles as part of its Clean Energy Car Fund. The rebate is available for 10,000 eligible vehicles licensed in WA. If you would like to know more about the rebate, including how to apply, visit the Department of Transport website Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Rebate.
Smart chargers
Smart chargers can be used for charging EVs at home quickly, and at convenient times. A smart charger gives you the power to decide when you charge and maximise EV charging at times when the demand for electricity is low, saving on your electricity costs if you are on a time of use tariff.
Some chargers can even monitor your rooftop solar output so your car charges from electricity you generate and avoid having to pay for electricity from the grid. Smart chargers also help to future- proof your home as they can integrate with the state’s electricity network and assist in managing energy demand through a virtual power plant arrangement, with benefits for all energy users.
If you are in the market for a smart charger to use at home or in the workplace, you can find an approved list of software and EV chargers on the State Government’s Charge Up – Approved Chargers and Software List webpage.
Tariffs
Electricity tariffs have been developed by Synergy to incentivise EV owners to recharge their EVs overnight or in the middle of the day, to better align with renewable energy output and network availability. You can find more information on Synergy’s Energy Plans – Electric Vehicle Add On webpage.
WA EV Network charger map
Synergy and Horizon Power are working with the State Government to create Australia’s longest EV charging network (the WA EV network). This $23 million investment includes 98 charging stations across 49 different locations connecting Perth and regional WA. You can find the EV charger map and more information on the Synergy website WA EV Network.
Finding places to charge
Finding EV chargers near you has become even easier with the use of EV charging apps. There are many EV charging apps available for you to download.
PlugShare is an open-source tool that is free to use and provides drivers with information about most EV charging stations, as well as plug types and charging speeds. You can download the PlugShare app from your phone’s app store.
The charging stations that are a part of the WA EV network are managed by Chargefox. The Chargefox app allows EV drivers to quickly and easily find a charger and pay to use them. This app is free to use and available for download from your phone’s app store.
Other resources
It’s important to do your own research about EVs and choose the vehicle that is right for you. See below for some additional resources that may assist.
- The Electric Vehicle Council – provides advice about EVs, including which models are available in Australia and how to charge them.
- Local automotive clubs such as the RAC and the NRMA have information about which EVs are available, and what to consider when buying one.
Advice for installing an EV charger and available government grants
Grants for workplace and destination EV chargers
The Charge up Workplace Grant scheme, administered by Energy Policy WA, is designed to assist non-for-profit organisations, businesses and local government authorities to install EV charging equipment at their workplace. EV chargers can be installed in car parks for the use by employees or visitors, or by customers at eligible businesses (e.g. cafes and wineries).
More information on the grant scheme, including eligibility guidelines, timing of grant rounds, FAQs, an application checklist and directions to the online application portal, can be found at Charge Up Workplace EV Charging Grants.
EV owners living in strata buildings
There are a few things to consider when installing an EV charger if you live in a multi-residential complex or building covered by the strata legislation. The Owners Corporation Network of Australia has been established to assist strata owners navigate the complexities of strata living, and has created an information portal for their members to access information and resources on EV charging. While based in New South Wales, their resources will be helpful for guiding Western Australian strata owners corporations to allow EV charger connections within their strata complexes.
Planning approvals
A Draft Position Statement: Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure has been prepared by the Department of Planning Lands and Heritage to outline how EV charging infrastructure should be assessed in the WA planning system. The Position Statement aims to assist proponents and decision-makers by advocating for a streamlined approvals process, and provide guidance on development applications, public works, appropriate locations, and recommended numbers of EV chargers in different land use types.
Connecting EV chargers to the electricity network – advice for electricians
Western Power offers information to assist homeowners and electricians connect an EV charger to the network. This covers both single direction and bi-directional chargers that can feed electricity from an EV back into the home or grid.
Connecting EV chargers to the electricity network – advice for builders and architects
The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety has supported amendments to the National Construction Code (NCC) to include a requirement that new buildings are EV ready. The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) revised the NCC to enable a number of building classes – including units, offices, shops and other public buildings – to be easily fitted with distributed energy resources equipment, such as electrical distribution boards dedicated to EV charging, to support future EV uptake.
An advisory note on EV charging was published by the ABCB, which describes the minimum requirements for EV charging equipment in new buildings.
The Western Australian Building Regulations 2012 have been amended, making these provisions available for voluntary adoption in WA from October 2023, and mandatory application starting 1 May 2025.
Advice for organisations transitioning fleet vehicles
Guide to EVs for fleet buyers
In line with the State EV Strategy, our guide to electric vehicles provides fleet managers information about the features and benefits of EVs, particularly in the context of WA.
Tax implications of electric vehicles and home charging
From 1 July 2022 employers do not pay fringe benefits tax on eligible electric cars and associated car expenses, which can make adding EVs to your fleet cost competitive with a petrol or diesel car. You can find out more at the Australian Tax Office (ATO) Electric cars exemption webpage.
The ATO’s Legal database has guidance and rulings on EV home charging rates and how to calculate electricity costs when charging a vehicle at an employee’s or individual’s home.
Preparing Western Australia for EV uptake
State Electric Vehicle Strategy for Western Australia
The State EV Strategy emphasises the multiple benefits of EVs, including improving air quality in urban centres, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, supporting local industry and delivering a range of benefits for consumers. The strategy’s actions are preparing Western Australia for the transition to low and zero‐emission electric vehicles.
Electric Vehicle Action Plan
Transitioning to electric transport will play a key role in shaping Western Australia’s future electricity systems. The State Government’s Electric Vehicle Action Plan: preparing Western Australia’s electricity systems for EVs outlines 26 priority actions to integrate EVs within Western Australia’s power systems. The Action Plan is administered by Energy Policy WA in the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.
