ZEV Rebate FAQs

The Government wants to incentivise the purchase of new zero emission vehicles to stimulate demand and support an increase in the overall stock of zero emission vehicles in Western Australia. 

Hybrid vehicles still emit greenhouse gases. There is a mature market for hybrids, so the Government is prioritising support to purchase zero emission vehicles to help WA achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Consistent with other States, the rebate is only available for light vehicles. 

The rebate will have the most significant impact if it is applied to light vehicles. Given low availability of zero emission heavy vehicles, including them in the scheme was not expected to represent a significant uptake incentive.

Motorcycles are also not eligible for the rebate as there is already a market for affordable electric motorcycles.

The rebate is focused on reducing emissions related to road transport. As such, non-road use agricultural machines are not eligible for the rebate.

You can claim the rebate when the vehicle is first licensed. At this time, plates are fitted to the vehicle for the first time and it can be driven on the road.

The Department of Transport vehicle licence document will show the exact date that the licence was granted. If you are still unsure, you should contact your dealer for more information. 

When submitting an application for the Zero Emission Vehicle Rebate, the following documents must be submitted along with the completed application form:

• a copy of the Vehicle Licence and Motor Injury Insurance Policy; and
• a copy of your bank statement showing the nominated bank account name and number (individuals only); or 
• a letter on company letterhead signed by the organisation’s director stating the nominated bank account number (businesses only).

*The below interpretation is provided as a guide only

The term “dutiable value” is defined by the Duties Act 2008.

The dutiable value of a new vehicle, that is not a heavy vehicle, is:

• the price fixed by the manufacturer, importer or principal distributor as the retail selling price in Western Australia of that make and model; and 
• for each optional feature in or of the vehicle — the additional amount fixed by the manufacturer, importer or principal distributor for the retail sale in Western Australia of the optional feature.

An optional feature includes a particular type of transmission (such as automatic or manual) or engine size (such as 1.8L or 2.0L). It does not include optional accessories such as window tinting, DVD player, sound system speakers, mag wheels, paint, fabric or rust protection. 

For a comprehensive explanation of dutiable value, visit the WA Government’s Vehicle licence duty page.

If your Zero Emission Vehicle Rebate application is successful, you will be notified of the outcome by email, and the $3,500 rebate will be credited to your nominated bank account. 

Please note that it may take up to one week from the date you are notified for the payment to appear in the nominated bank account.

If you have not received your rebate within this time, please contact us on 13 11 56 from 7.00 am – 6.00 pm Monday to Friday or via email at zevrs@transport.wa.gov.au.  

We recognise the cost of zero emission vehicles may still be too high for some people to participate in this scheme.

The rebate is intended to stimulate the supply of new zero emission vehicles in WA, which will eventually flow through to the second-hand market. Large fleets commonly dispose of their vehicles after one to five years, which provides an opportunity to buy used zero emission vehicles at a more affordable price.

Unfortunately, the rebate cannot be put towards the cost of registration fees or stamp duty. Payment of the rebate can only be made once the vehicle is first licensed.

The Department of Transport manages the state’s vehicle licence register and collects fees and charges for vehicles – it is best placed to check eligibility and confirm vehicle records.

The Department of Transport is unable to recommend specific vehicles as we cannot provide a commercial advantage to specific manufacturers and private businesses. Models are also constantly changing.

There are many online sources such as the Green Vehicle Guide or Vehicle Emissions Star Rating website that feature up to date information about zero emission vehicle availability. Your local dealership may also be able to provide advice.

Yes, the fact that a vehicle is financed through a novated lease will not impact on its eligibility for the rebate. 

The Department of Transport suggests that you speak with your leasing company before the vehicle is first licensed to see if the rebate will impact on your leasing agreement. 

Only the person or organisation that first licenses the vehicle is eligible to apply for the rebate. Therefore, if the dealer has licensed (registered) the vehicle for demonstrator purposes, only they can apply for the rebate. 

Purchasers will need to speak to the dealer and clearly establish whether the dealer demonstrator vehicle is already licensed.

If the dealer has licenced the vehicle, purchasers should seek for the rebate to be taken into consideration in the purchase price.

If the dealer has not licenced the vehicle, the purchaser will be eligible to apply for the grant when they themselves license the vehicle.

The scheme is open to eligible vehicles that have never been licensed or registered. If the vehicle has been registered interstate or overseas, it will not be eligible.

From 1 July 2022, employers do not pay fringe benefit tax on eligible electric cars and associated car expenses

For further information, visit the Australian Taxation Office website (below).

Zero emission vehicles do not need fuel, but they will need power charging your zero emission vehicle at home will increase your electricity bill and the load on the electrical grid. 

To reduce the impact on your electricity bill, you can contact your electricity retailer for information about electrical vehicle packages or tariffs that reward charging during off-peak times. In most cases, electricity is cheapest during the day, due to a growing share of our power supply coming from solar. 

If you have any general queries about the rebate, call 13 11 56 or email zevrs@transport.wa.gov.au.