A coalition of automotive and finance organisations has launched a campaign urging the Federal Government to retain Australia’s Electric Car Discount as the policy undergoes review.
The campaign, titled “Keep the EV Tax Discount”, includes digital and television advertising aimed at highlighting the role the incentive has played in supporting electric vehicle uptake and reducing running costs for motorists.
The initiative is being led by National Automotive Leasing and Salary Packaging Association, which represents the country’s novated leasing and salary packaging sector.
Industry coalition backs campaign
Several companies and industry organisations have joined the campaign, including Electric Vehicle Council, BYD, Tesla, Polestar, GWM, Pepper Money and Rewiring Australia.
Other participants include Autoleague, Automotive Leasing, EV Dealer Group, First Nations Finance and Unisson Disability.
NALSPA chief executive Rohan Martin said the campaign aims to highlight the impact the policy has had for Australian workers.
“The Federal Government is reviewing the EV Discount, and working Australians deserve to know what’s at stake. We also want to remind the Federal Government how effective this policy is in driving EV uptake and reducing costs for everyday working Australians,” Martin said.
“Tens of thousands of everyday working Australians, many of whom are living in the outer suburbs, have made the switch to EVs with the help of this Discount and they wouldn’t have without it.”
Policy under review
The Electric Car Discount currently provides a fringe benefits tax exemption for eligible electric vehicles purchased through novated lease arrangements.
Martin said decisions about the policy would affect both current EV drivers and potential future buyers.
“Any decision made on the EV Discount affects everyday Australians – the workers who are benefiting right now and the many more who could miss out,” he said.
“We are calling on the Federal Government to keep the EV Discount.”
The campaign launch comes as the government reviews the incentive as part of its broader transport and emissions policy settings.
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