The Greens have called on the New South Wales government to introduce various incentives for electric vehicles, including discounts on stamp duty and registration costs, and access to transit lanes.
Greens transport spokesperson Mehreen Faruqi says stamp duty on sales of EVs should be waived altogether, annual registration costs should be cut by 50 per cent to fast track the adoption of electric vehicles.
“Electric vehicles are the future and offer significant environmental benefits,” Faruqi said in a statement. ” The government should provide incentives to put them more within reach of ordinary people, and really jump-start their widespread adoption in Australia.”
She said the Greens favoured public transport and wanted the number of cars to be reduced, particularly in urban areas, but said electric cars were good options for those who need to drive.
The Greens said Australia is unique in failing to provide any meaningful incentives to hasten the adoption of electric vehicles. North America, Europe, China, India and many other countries and states offer a wide range of financial or convenience incentives.
The Greens say waiving stamp duty will cut costs of zero emissions by between $1,200 and $6,000, and the 50 per cent reduction in registration costs will save $130-$170 per year.
The party also suggests policies to encourage the phase in of electric vehicles as a proportion of government fleets and sport for electric vehicle charging stations – powered by renewable energy – to be installed throughout the state.
Greens energy spokesperson Jeremy Buckingham said he was “blown away” when he drove a Tesla Model 3. “Not only are electric vehicles environmentally friendly, but they offer an amazingly superior driving experience. I know NSW Energy Minister Anthony Roberts feels the same as I do,” he said.
“Instead of mandating ethanol which has dubious environmental benefits, the government should be promoting electric vehicles as a truly environmental personal transport solution.”
