Labor is determined to make electric vehicles cheaper and more accessible to all Australians.

Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said an Albanese Labor Government will make it easier for Australians to access electric vehicles, which are cleaner and cheaper to run than fuel-powered cars.

“Less than one per cent of cars sold in Australia are electric, compared to a global average of 4.2 per cent, and 75 per cent in Norway,” Mr Neumann said.

“The majority of Australians say they would consider buying an electric model as their next car, but because of scaremongering and the policy vacuum under the Morrison government, electric vehicles remain unaffordable for most Australians.

“It is no surprise there are just 20,000 electric vehicles on Australian roads when you look at their high cost, with only five models available for under $60,000.

“That puts them beyond the family budget of most people in Ipswich, the Somerset Region and Karana Downs area.

“Labor will cut government taxes on non-luxury electric vehicles, including import taxes and fringe benefits tax, to give people choice and ensure that more Australians who want electric cars can afford them.

“By reducing upfront costs, Labor’s Electric Car Discount will encourage uptake, cut fuel and transport costs for households and reduce emissions at the same time.”

Labor’s Electric Car Discount will encourage car makers to supply more affordable electric vehicles to Australia which will in turn increase competition, drive down price and give consumers more choice.

First, a Labor Government will abolish import tariffs on non-luxury electric vehicles now being imported into Australia. For example, the $50,000 Nissan Leaf will be $2000 cheaper.
 
Second, Labor will encourage further uptake by eliminating fringe benefits tax on electric vehicles provided to workers by their employer for private use.
 
This will cut the cost of a $50,000 electric car by up to $9000, with the benefit flowing to either the employer or the employee, depending on how they arrange their affairs.
 
These changes will apply to any electric vehicle up to $77,565 value.

“This cut off point is important as it provides global manufacturers a clear incentive to import affordable electric cars in preference to the high-end models that are out of reach for most Australians,” Mr Neumann said.

“For example, the United Kingdom has more than two dozen electric vehicles available at affordable prices.”

In addition, an Albanese Labor Government will develop Australia’s first National Electric Vehicle Strategy.

As part of the process a Labor Government will work with industry, unions, the States and Territories, along with consumers to develop this strategy.

“We want to encourage Australian manufacturing of EV components, and consider leveraging existing Commonwealth investments in its fleet and infrastructure spend to increase electric vehicle stock.

“This process will examine further measures to increase electric vehicle sales and ensure there are enough recharging stations to meet demand, and critically it will look at policies to encourage Australian manufacturing of electric vehicles or components.

“Labor will invest in our future and help us catch up to the rest of the world when it comes to electric vehicles.

“I believe it will be of great benefit to many households in our region.

“This is what good Governments are about – driving the nation forward and providing benefits to local people.”