The New South Wales Government has shown its commitment to an electric future with substantial investments in both electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and incentive programs for buyers and owners of the vehicles.
These incentives – combined with the state's fast charging master plan – target 50 per cent of new-car sales to be EVs by 2030, and make NSW one of the easiest place to buy and own an EV in Australia.
Note: On 22 September 2023, the NSW government announced it will phase out the EV rebate as of 31 December 2023. Instead, it will inject more funding into EV charging infrastructure. As the Sydney Morning Herald has revealed, less than half had been redeemed as of the end of November.
What incentives does NSW offer for EV buyers?
Rebates (Ended as of 31 December 2023)
- A $3,000 rebate was available for the first 25,000 new battery electric vehicles (BEVs) purchased for under $68,750 (inclusive of GST). This did not apply to used vehicles or plug-in hybrid vehicles.
- This rebate no longer applies to new purchases or orders placed after 31 December 2023.
Stamp Duty
- From 1 September 2021 to 31 December 2023, new and used BEVs under $78,000 (incl. GST) were exempt from stamp duty charges in NSW. Plug-in hybrids were excluded. The exemption ended on 31 December 2023.
- Buyers who purchased or placed a deposit on an eligible vehicle by 31 December 2023 may still qualify for the exemption under transitional rules. See the NSW Government EV FAQs for more information.
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All other EVs, including plug-in hybrids, will no longer pay stamp duty from 1 July 2027 or when EVs make up 30 per cent of new vehicle sales, whichever occurs first.
Government Fleet
- NSW Government car fleet (approximately 20,000 vehicles) will be all-electric by 2030, with a 50 per cent target set for 2026.
Charging
- More than $150 million will be allocated for highway fast charging, commuter corridor fast charging, destination charging, and household areas where off-street parking is limited.
- An additional $20 million will be allocated through grants for destination charging across designated ‘EV Tourist Routes’ in NSW (motels, restaurants, wineries, etc.).
Road User Charge
- A road user charge of 2.5 cents per kilometre ($325 per annum for the average motorist) is to be introduced on 1 July 2027 or when EVs comprising 30 per cent of new-vehicle sales, whichever occurs first.
- However, following a 2023 High Court decision invalidating Victoria’s similar law, NSW’s charge may be delayed or reviewed.
