Commenting on the story: Electric car rego to triple under Govt tax

So who banks the carbon credit of the massive reduction in carbon emissions from an electric vehicle versus internal combustion? This surely amounts to way more than a road tax.

SA should be a leader here and enshrine in legislation support for EV. Great opportunity for Labour to get it right. – Colin Marland

Fuel excise is collected by the Commonwealth Government at a rate of over 40 cents per litre, totalling $10bn per annum and is ostensibly used to fund roads.

Vehicles that don’t used petroleum fuel don’t contribute to the revenue. At present with a very small proportion of electric vehicles in the fleet the impact on revenue isn’t significant, however that will change as the proportion of electric vehicles increases (especially if it were to Norwegian levels).

Much better to introduce a usage charge now (or 2027) rather than wait until there is problem. But shouldn’t it be a national charge rather than vary from State to State?

It appears that it is the better off (who can afford the purchase price) who are purchasing electric vehicles. It would be inequitable that those less well off in society, driving the older, heavier fuel-using six cylinder cars subsidise EV owners. – John Wyk

Maths fail by the Treasurer? For the reported savings on fuel excise (currently at 42.7c/L) you have to compare a car using an average of 11L/100.

Considering that the bulk of EVs are currently in the small to medium size, then if you are looking at comparative cars, most are now sub 7L/100. If you travel 12,200km per year the savings on fuel excise, when comparing a 7L/100km economy vehicle to an electric vehicle at 2.5c/km, is just $59.66.

The remaining savings on petrol would only amount to approximately $700 per year. Hardly an incentive given the significantly higher entry cost. – Michael Forrest

No one ever considers the fact that most cars and trucks run on imported fuels. Billions of dollars go overseas every year. EVs can run on local green wind and solar electricity.

Also if a carbon fuel blockade was imposed by a foreign Government, our country would grind to a halt within weeks. Victoria, NSW and SA are trying to get in first before the Feds impose a tax. – Peter Collins