Australian motorists in one state are being offered a whopping $6,000 to buy electric vehicles in a bid to entice more drivers to switch from petrol-powered cars.
Queensland drivers will receive the rebate if they purchase an electric vehicle worth less than $68,000 from 21 April 2023.
Consumers must have taxable income of $180,000 or less per year to be eligible.
Queenslanders will also be eligible for the huge payout if they purchased an electric vehicle worth less than $58,000 between 16 March 2022 and 20 April 2023.
The incentive is part of Queensland’s Zero Emissions Rebate Scheme, which came into effect in July 2023.
The state government has committed $45 million to fund the program over a decade through 2032.
The initiative was created to make electric vehicles more affordable for individuals and businesses.
Motorists are also eligible for a separate $3,000 rebate if the electric vehicle is worth up to $58,000 or $68,000.
Queensland drivers will receive the cash boost if they buy an electric vehicle worth less than $68,000 from 21 April 2023 (file image)
Businesses in the Sunshine State will not be eligible for the $6,000 payment, but can apply for a $3,000 refund.
Payment will only be provided if the vehicle was purchased after March 16, 2022, and if the company previously received a $3,000 rebate as part of the plan.
Buying an electric vehicle in Australia remains expensive as people continue to struggle with the cost of living crisis fueled by inflation and consecutive interest rate increases.
The average price of an electric vehicle in Australia is around $50,000.
Data obtained by driving.com.au showed the average price was around $86,000 for the first half of 2023.
The average price of gasoline and diesel cars, trucks and SUVs was $54,600 during the same period.
The most affordable electric car in Australia is the GWM Ora Hatchback, priced at $35,990.
The next cheapest model is the BYD Dolphin Hatchback with a starting price of $36,890 before on-road costs.
The incentive is part of Queensland’s Zero Emissions Rebate Scheme, which came into effect in July 2023 (file image)
Australia has become a key market for electric vehicle manufacturers competing to offer affordable electric vehicles.
US carmaker Tesla faces stiff competition from Chinese firm BYD, which set a record in May by selling 1,914 vehicles in Australia.
The figure compares with the 3,567 Tesla cars sold during the same period.
Sales of electric vehicles remain stable across the country with 10,464 battery electric vehicles sold in March according to figures from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries.
The number of electric vehicles sold hit a monthly record when 11,042 cars were sold in June 2023.
