Clean energy advocate Solar Citizens welcomes stronger financial incentives for South Australian EV buyers but warns the Marshall Government’s package will leave local buyers paying more for EVs than in other states.
The Government’s bill to introduce a road user charge (RUC) on electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles narrowly passed the South Australian Parliament’s upper house on October 28, in spite of opposition from Labor and the Greens.
The SA Government’s initial proposal has been improved with a delayed introduction to RUC, paired with $3000 subsidies and an EV exemption from registration fees.
Solar Citizens’ electric vehicle campaign lead Alistair Perkins says the financial incentives do not make up for the new tax on zero emission cars.
“It’s good that South Australian EV buyers will be able to access some of the incentives offered in other states, but this rushed new tax is a step in the wrong direction,” he says.
The passage of the legislation makes South Australia one of few jurisdictions in the world to introduce a tax on zero emissions vehicles, Perkins explains.
“The Government’s failure to offer the stamp duty discounts available in New South Wales and the ACT is a missed opportunity that will leave South Australians paying more.
“South Australia would benefit from a rapid uptake of EVs, with world-leading opportunities to charge from abundant and affordable renewable energy.
“With the state election less than six months away, all parties have an opportunity to commit to ambitious policies that put more people behind the wheel of EVs.”
