The Electric Vehicle Council has welcomed the deal reached between the government and Senate crossbenchers which will enable thousands more Australians to access the benefits of electric vehicles.
The scheme will exempt EVs from import tariffs and from fringe benefits tax, making the vehicles more affordable for employers to include in salary packages.
“This is a landmark moment for EV policy in Australia. It’s a powerful demonstration of how far we’ve come in just a few short years,” says Electric Vehicle Council Chief Executive Officer Behyad Jafari.
“This bill will allow thousands more Australians to get behind the wheel of an EV where they can access the benefits of lower fuel bills, cutting pollution, and an enjoyable driving experience.
“Making new EVs easier to buy will turbocharge the creation of a strong second-hand market for EVs, which is vital for affordability,” Mr Jafari said.
“If the federal government combines this bill with new fuel efficiency standards we will soon see a market develop in Australian through which everyone will be able to enjoy the benefits of EVs.
“By achieving stronger EV uptake we will significantly lower Australia’s carbon emissions and reduce our precarious dependence on foreign oil.
“On behalf of the electric vehicle sector I congratulate the government, and the crossbench senators, for striking this deal in the national interest,” he said.
