The 'Clean Energy Car Fund' announced and effective Tuesday includes $36.5 million to provide up to 10,000 rebates of $3,500 to Western Australians that buy a new electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicle up to a value of $70,000.

This program is more expansive, has a higher rebate, and a higher vehicle price cap than similar programs announced in Victoria, NSW and SA.

Premier Mark McGowan said building on a $750 million Climate Action Fund announced last year, the Western Australian Government is implementing further initiatives to significantly reduce carbon emissions and progress towards net zero emissions.

"Our $3,500 rebates are one of the most generous grants on offer in the nation and will see an extra 10,000 electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles on our roads," Premier McGowan said. 

"This will assist WA with reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net zero, while also reducing the pressure of high petrol prices on WA households that utilise the rebate."

The Western Australian government notes the average WA driver could potentially save more than $1,400 per year on fuel costs by making the switch to an electric vehicle.

See more: Affordable electric cars in Australia

Further, the government is also investing $22.6 million in new charging infrastructure to expand WA's electric vehicle charging network including:

  • $10 million to support not-for-profits and small and medium-sized businesses with grants of up to 50% of the installing charging infrastructure costs.
  • $5 million to support local government's install charging infrastructure by providing grants of up to 50% of the installation cost.
  • $4 million for the Public Transport Authority to trial the installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure at four train stations, providing up to 20 bays per car park with commuter charging access.
  • More than $2.9 million in eight new charging stations across four locations on a section of National Highway 1 between Norseman and Eucla to ensure WA's electric highway extends to South Australia.

Road user charge from 2027

In line with other state EV policies, WA will introduce a distance-based road user charge for zero and low emission light vehicles commencing from 1 July 2027 to ensure all motorists pay their fair share towards the maintenance and construction of WA roads.

A base rate of 2.5 cents per kilometre for electric and hydrogen vehicles and two cents per kilometre for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles will apply, with both rates indexed to the Consumer Price Index (inflation).

Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries' Chief Executive Tony Weber said the McGowan Government’s commitment of $22.6 million to expand charging infrastructure is a proactive step towards preparing for the future electrification of the road network.

“The inclusion of 10,000 rebates of $3,500 for Western Australians who purchase a new electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicle is positive for automotive manufacturers and Western Australians alike," Tony Weber said. 

"However, the FCAI maintains that all taxes and charges related to motor vehicles should be replaced with one road user charge which can apply to any type of vehicle powertrain."

See Also: Road User Charge vs Current Charges - Which is Better?

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