Electric vehicle (EV) drivers will be forced to pay a road user charge to contribute their share for road upgrades along with motorists who pay a 51.6c/L fuel excise at the bowser.
The federal government, state treasurers and industry experts have gathered to discuss how the new road user charge will work ahead of next week’s economic roundtable in Canberra.
Related article: How EVs and electric water heaters are turning our cities into giant batteries
Electric Vehicle Council CEO Julie Delvecchio said the road user charge could slow EV uptake, and should only apply once electric vehicle sales reached 30% of new vehicle sales.
“We back fair road user charges, but their introduction should not slam the brakes on Australia’s shift to clean transport,” Delvecchio said.
“EVs deliver what Australians want: lower running costs, cleaner air, energy independence and a stronger grid.
“Any reform to fuel excise should drive Australians toward EVs, because they cost less to run, cut emissions, and reduce our reliance on foreign oil. They also support our energy system and improve the air we all breathe.
“Reforms should only apply once electric vehicles reach 30% of new vehicle sales. That way we encourage EV adoption and don’t tie Australians to expensive petrol and diesel cars that increase carbon emissions and harm our environment.”
Related article: EV owners win High Court challenge against Victorian tax
In 2023, the Victorian Government’s EV levy was scrapped following a High Court challenge by two Victorian EV.
They successfully argued that the tax was not legal as it was an excise that only a federal government could impose.
