🚗 Keep EV Discounts: Hay Drivers Could Benefit from Policy

The Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) is urging the Federal Government to maintain and even expand its Electric Car Discount, warning that any reduction could significantly stall the transition to cleaner, more affordable vehicles for Australian drivers, including those in Hay.

In a submission to the government's statutory review of the policy, which commenced in December 2025 with public submissions closing on February 6, 2026, the EVC highlighted the discount's pivotal role. Since its introduction in July 2022, the policy has propelled more than 105,000 additional electric vehicle (EV) purchases, helping to lift Australia's EV market share from a mere 2% in 2021 to 13% today. Treasury estimates show nearly 100,000 vehicles have benefited from the fringe benefits tax (FBT) exemption alone, with its value estimated at $1.35 billion in 2025–26 – an 18-fold increase from initial forecasts.

Local Impact and National Warnings

EVC CEO Julie Delvecchio stressed the discount has been a "game-changer," enabling tens of thousands of Australians, particularly those in outer suburbs and regional areas like Hay, to afford their first EV. These drivers stand to save up to $3,000 annually on fuel and maintenance. "The Electric Car Discount has helped take Australia from an EV trickle to a real market for people who want to drive cleaner cars and save up to $3,000 each year on fuel and maintenance," Ms Delvecchio stated.

The EVC's submission also points to international precedents where premature withdrawal of EV incentives in countries like Germany, Canada, and New Zealand led to a backslide in market share. Notably, both Canada and Germany have since reintroduced significant EV subsidies after experiencing sales declines of up to 12 per cent.

Hay's EV Readiness

For Hay residents considering an EV, the local charging infrastructure is already growing. The town is equipped with two NRMA fast-charging stations at the Moppett Street Car Park, part of what the NRMA boasts as Australia's largest regional charging network. Additionally, the Bidgee Motor Inn hosts six Tesla Superchargers, capable of delivering up to 250kW, which are available 24/7 and compatible with both Tesla and other EVs featuring CCS connectivity.

This local infrastructure is set to be further bolstered by the NSW Government's broader $149 million investment to develop a world-class charging network across the state. This initiative aims for approximately 250 fast and ultra-fast charging stations, with at least four chargers per station every 5 km in metropolitan areas and at 100 km intervals across all major NSW highways, directly benefiting regional travel from towns like Hay.

The EVC is advocating for an expansion of incentives to include rebates and GST exemptions for Australians who cannot access novated leasing, ensuring that the benefits of EV ownership are accessible to an even wider demographic as Australia works towards its target of 5 million EVs by 2035.