Are there still $3,000 EV rebates in Australia in 2026?

As of early 2026, most state government $3,000 cash rebate schemes, including those in NSW and Victoria, have ended. Queensland still offers a means-tested rebate of up to $6,000 for eligible buyers.

What is the biggest financial incentive for buying an EV in Australia?

The largest financial incentive is the federal government's Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption for eligible EVs acquired through a novated lease or as a company car, which can save thousands of dollars annually.

Which state offers the best incentives for electric cars in 2026?

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) currently offers the most comprehensive incentives, including a full stamp duty exemption and two years of free registration for new zero-emission vehicles.

Do I have to pay stamp duty on an electric car in NSW?

In NSW, new and used electric vehicles with a dutiable value up to $78,000 are exempt from stamp duty, providing a significant upfront saving.

Electric Vehicle Rebates and Incentives by State in Australia 2026

The 2026 Shift in Australian EV Incentives

Welcome to your 2026 guide to electric vehicle incentives in Australia. The landscape for direct, point-of-sale EV rebates has undergone a significant shift. As of early 2026, many of the upfront cash rebates offered by state governments in previous years have now concluded. However, valuable incentives remain in the form of stamp duty exemptions, registration discounts, and the significant federal Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption for fleet and novated lease vehicles. This guide will walk you through the current incentives available in your state or territory to help you save thousands on your new electric car.

Federal Government Incentive: The FBT Exemption

The most significant national incentive currently available is the FBT exemption for eligible electric vehicles. This allows businesses and employees using a novated lease to save a substantial amount on the cost of an EV.

What it is: An exemption from Fringe Benefits Tax for eligible new and used battery electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles.
Eligibility: The vehicle’s value must be below the luxury car tax threshold for fuel-efficient vehicles (currently around $89,332).
The Savings: This can save you thousands of dollars per year, making EVs a much more attractive option for salary sacrificing. For example, on a Tesla Model Y (from approx. $65,400), this could equate to savings of over $10,000 annually for an employer, or a significant boost in take-home pay for an employee with a novated lease.

State and Territory Incentives: A Changing Landscape

With the phasing out of most direct rebates, state and territory incentives now primarily focus on reducing upfront purchase costs like stamp duty and ongoing ownership costs like registration.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

The ACT continues to lead the nation with some of the most comprehensive incentives for EV adoption.

Stamp Duty: Full exemption from stamp duty on new and used zero-emission vehicles. For a $70,000 EV like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, this is a saving of around $2,800.
Registration: Two years of free registration for new zero-emission vehicles.

New South Wales (NSW)

The NSW government’s $3,000 cash rebate program closed in late 2023. However, a significant stamp duty exemption remains for eligible new and used EVs.

Stamp Duty: No stamp duty payable on new and used EVs up to a dutiable value of $78,000. For a BYD Atto 3 (from approx. $48,011), this saves you over $1,500.

Victoria (VIC)

Victoria’s popular $3,000 EV subsidy program has also concluded. The primary remaining incentive relates to registration costs.

Registration Discount: A $100 annual discount on registration fees for zero and low-emission vehicles.
Luxury Vehicle Duty: A higher ‘z-levy’ rate applies to zero-emission vehicles valued over $100,000.

Queensland (QLD)

Queensland’s upfront rebate scheme has been one of the most generous and continues to be a key incentive for prospective buyers.

Rebate: A $3,000 or $6,000 rebate for new eligible zero-emission vehicles. The $6,000 rebate is available for households with a combined annual income of up to $180,000. The vehicle purchase price must be $68,000 or less.
Stamp Duty: A reduced stamp duty rate for electric and hybrid vehicles.

Western Australia (WA)

WA’s previous rebate scheme has also ended. The state government is now focusing on expanding the charging network.

Incentives: At present, there are no state-level rebates or stamp duty exemptions for EV purchases in WA.

South Australia (SA)

South Australia’s $3,000 rebate and initial registration exemption for new EVs have been fully subscribed and are no longer available as of the start of 2024.

Incentives: There are currently no state-based rebates, stamp duty waivers, or registration discounts for electric vehicles in South Australia.

Tasmania (TAS)

Tasmania’s previous incentives, including stamp duty exemptions, concluded at the end of 2023.

Incentives: Currently, there are no specific rebates or tax concessions for EV purchases in Tasmania.

Northern Territory (NT)

The NT has offered incentives to encourage EV uptake, primarily through stamp duty and registration fee reductions.

Stamp Duty: The NT government has waived the stamp duty on the first $50,000 of the purchase price for new and used EVs, resulting in a saving of up to $1,500.
Registration: Free registration for new and existing plug-in EVs.

The Australian EV market continues to grow, with electric vehicles now accounting for a significant percentage of new car sales. This shift is supported by an expanding public charging network and a wider range of available models.

Making the Right Choice in 2026

While the era of widespread cash rebates may be over, the remaining incentives, particularly the federal FBT exemption and state-based stamp duty waivers, still offer substantial savings. When purchasing an EV in 2026, it’s crucial to:

Check your state’s current rules: Visit your state or territory’s revenue office website for the most up-to-date information on stamp duty and registration.
Consider a novated lease: If you’re an employee, talk to your employer or a fleet provider about the significant savings available through the FBT exemption.
Factor in running costs: Remember that EVs offer significant savings on fuel and maintenance, which should be considered as part of the total cost of ownership.

Popular models like the Tesla Model 3, Kia EV6, and the more affordable MG4 and GWM Ora continue to be strong contenders in the Australian market. Always compare the final on-road cost, including any available incentives, before making a decision.

Bottom Line

In 2026, the case for switching to an electric vehicle in Australia remains strong, but the nature of the financial incentives has evolved. The primary benefits now come from the federal FBT exemption for novated leases and company cars, and state-level stamp duty and registration waivers, with the ACT and Queensland offering the most attractive packages. The era of direct cash-back rebates from most states has passed. Therefore, buyers should focus on these tax and fee-based savings, and always verify the latest information directly with the relevant state or territory government authority before purchasing.