Governments, vehicle manufacturers and industry associations are working together to provide certification programs to allow technicians to stay up to date with the latest technology and servicing techniques.

Some example courses are included below:

TAFE NSW Electric Vehicle Bus Training

TAFE NSW EV Training Solution

Centre for U: Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

CIT Electric Vehicle Charging and Associated Equipment

TAFE QLD Hybrid and EV Skill Set

The post How is industry working with dealerships to ensure qualified technicians can undertake repairs? first appeared on Electric Vehicle Council.

National:

The primary incentive at the national level is the Electric Car Discount, which provides an exemption from Fringe Benefits Tax for novated leases and company cars. You can read more about how to take advantage of this EV incentive here.

Australian Capital Territory:

Registration discount, stamp duty discount, zero interest loan.

Western Australia:

$3,500 rebate for EVs up to $70,000.

Tasmania:

$2,000 rebate for new and used EVs.

Northern Territory:

Registration discount & stamp duty discount

New South Wales*:

The stamp duty exemption and the rebate for all eligible EV purchases ended on 1 January 2024. You can find out more here.

Queensland:

The rebate for all eligible EV purchases ended on 2 September 2024. You can find out more here. However, EV owners are eligible for a 1% discount on stamp duty, and a small discount on annual registration cost.

South Australia*:

The rebate for all eligible EV purchases ended on 1 January 2024. However, EV owners are eligible for a 3-year registration discount. You can find out more here.

Victoria*:

The Zero Emissions Vehicle Subsidy is now closed in Victoria. However, EV owners remain eligible for a registration discount.

*While NSW, SA and VIC have made progress in promoting EV adoption through rebates, it’s disheartening that the these governments have decided to prematurely scrap their EV incentives. The NSW incentives have played a crucial role in driving a remarkable 400% increase in EV sales, with a shift towards middle-income and suburban communities, aligning with our goal of broad EV adoption. These sudden policy changes not only jeopardise our climate targets, including the 43% emission reduction goal and the broader aim of achieving net-zero emissions, but also disproportionately affect those who cannot lease vehicles, particularly in regional areas. The EVC calls on all Australian governments to maintain incentives for EV uptake until the Australian market reaches at least 30% EV sales.

The post What incentives are available when purchasing an EV? first appeared on Electric Vehicle Council.

This incentives reduces the cost of paying for an eligible EV and covering car running costs through a novated lease by thousands of dollars per year. EVs and PHEVs valued up to the luxury car tax threshold ($89,332 in FY 2023/24) are eligible for the FBT exemption. However, the exemption for PHEVs is due to expire on 1 April 2025.

You can find out more about the FBT exemption, and eligible vehicles here.

The post What is the FBT Exemption and how does it reduce the cost of an EV? first appeared on Electric Vehicle Council.

On average, an EV travelling 12,000km each year would cost around $500 to charge ($0.04/km). Further savings can be made by an EV user with access to home solar or off-peak tariffs, which could reduce annual energy costs to as little as $200.

It is important for prospective EV owners to consider their driving habits, government incentives, taxes and charging availabilities to fully understand the savings of driving an EV compared to an petrol or diesel vehicle.

The post Will I save money by owning an electric vehicle in the long run? first appeared on Electric Vehicle Council.

For some EV models, owners are estimated to save between $300-$400 every year in maintenance costs compared to an equivalent combustion engine vehicle.

The post Are electric vehicles cheaper to maintain than combustion engine vehicles? first appeared on Electric Vehicle Council.

Many Australian Governments also offer a range of incentives that can help to reduce the upfront cost of an EV. It’s also important when comparing EVs with other vehicles that they are like-for-like, meaning they include the same level of safety technology, safe comfort trim, etc.

The higher upfront cost of some EVs is primarily due to the cost of batteries. As battery costs continue to fall, EVs continue to become cheaper. Just a few years ago most EVs cost more than $100,000, and now there are several models available in Australia for under $40,000

You can see a full list of EVs available in Australia here.

The post Are electric vehicles more expensive than petrol/diesel cars? first appeared on Electric Vehicle Council.

It generally costs more to charge at public fast chargers – due to the extra convenience – and this varies depending on the charging network, the type of vehicle being charged, and the power of the fast charger. Generally speaking, the cost to fast charge an EV is still around 20% cheaper than buying petrol.

Check out a range of EV cost calculators here.

The post How much does it cost to charge an EV? first appeared on Electric Vehicle Council.

The post How much extra electricity will I use in my home when I buy an EV? first appeared on Electric Vehicle Council.