EV Rebates and Incentives by State (2026)
Written by CarSorted Editorial Team · 3 April 2026
EV incentives in Australia are a patchwork. What you get depends entirely on where you live. Some states offer thousands in savings, others charge you extra for going electric. Here's the full breakdown.
State-by-State Summary
| State | Stamp Duty | Rego Discount | Cash Rebate | Road User Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACT | $0 | Free (2yr) | No | No |
| NSW | $0 | No | No | No |
| QLD | $0 | No | $6,000* | No |
| SA | Reduced | $100 off | No | No |
| VIC | Standard | No | No | 2.8c/km |
| WA | Reduced | No | $3,500* | No |
| TAS | Reduced | No | No | No |
| NT | Standard | No | No | No |
*Rebates may have ended or changed. Check your state government website for current eligibility. Figures are indicative as of early 2026.
ACT: Best State for EV Buyers
If you live in Canberra, buying an EV is a no-brainer. Zero stamp duty saves you $1,500-3,000 on a typical EV purchase. Free registration for the first two years saves another $600-800. No road user charge either.
On a $55,000 BYD Atto 3, an ACT buyer saves roughly $3,500-4,000 compared to a Victorian buyer.
NSW: Stamp Duty Exemption
NSW scrapped stamp duty on EVs and PHEVs under $78,000. On a $65,000 Tesla Model Y, that saves about $2,100 compared to a petrol equivalent. No road user charge.
QLD: Cash Rebates (Check Availability)
Queensland has offered $6,000 rebates for EVs under $68,000 in previous rounds. These tend to run out fast. Check the QLD government website for whether the current round is still open. If it is, stack it with the FBT exemption for a seriously good deal.
VIC: The Outlier
Victoria is the toughest state for EV buyers. Full stamp duty applies, and there's a road user charge of 2.8c/km for BEVs and 2.3c/km for PHEVs. At 15,000km per year, that's about $420 extra annually. The argument is that EV drivers don't pay fuel excise, so this replaces it. Fair or not, it adds to the cost.
How Much Can You Save? (Example: BYD Dolphin, $38,890)
| State | Stamp Duty | Rego (yr 1) | Road Charge (yr 1) | Rebate | Year 1 Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACT | -$1,200 | -$350 | $0 | $0 | $1,550 |
| NSW | -$1,200 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $1,200 |
| QLD (if rebate open) | -$1,200 | $0 | $0 | -$6,000 | $7,200 |
| VIC | $0 | $0 | +$420 | $0 | -$420 |
Federal: FBT Exemption (Biggest Saving)
The single biggest EV incentive applies everywhere in Australia. If your employer offers novated leasing, an eligible EV is exempt from Fringe Benefits Tax. This saves $5,000-15,000 per year depending on your salary. Read our full FBT exempt cars guide for details.
Things to Keep in Mind
- State incentives change frequently. Always check the current rules on your state government website before buying.
- Some rebates have price caps (e.g. only for EVs under $68,000). Higher-priced EVs may not qualify.
- The FBT exemption is federal and applies in every state. It's usually worth more than any state rebate.
- Victoria's road user charge adds roughly $400-600 per year. Factor this into your running costs.
Cars in This Article
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has the best EV incentives?
Do I have to pay road tax on an EV?
Are plug-in hybrids eligible for rebates?
Disclaimer: All information in this article was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (3 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Specifications, government incentives, and rebates can change without notice. Always verify details with the manufacturer or relevant authority before making a purchase decision. Running cost estimates are based on average Australian driving conditions at 15,000 km/year. All opinions are editorial and independent. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations or rankings.
Written by CarSorted Editorial Team, CarSorted Editorial Team · 3 April 2026
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