To encourage the adoption of electric vehicles in South Australia, the government offers a $3,000 subsidy and a three-year registration waiver for qualifying new battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles initially registered on or after October 28, 2021.
Key Updates Effective January 1, 2024:
The subsidy for qualifying new battery electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will cease as of January 1, 2024.
Individuals and businesses who have committed to purchasing an eligible electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicle through a binding contract prior to January 1, 2024, and are awaiting delivery, will remain eligible for the subsidy regardless of whether the vehicle is registered by that date. This ensures that those anticipating relief upon ordering an eligible vehicle are not disadvantaged.
For more details on these changes, refer to the Frequently Asked Questions section.
There are no adjustments to the registration exemption for electric vehicles. A three-year exemption will continue to be available for eligible new electric vehicles valued under $68,750 and first registered between October 28, 2021, and June 30, 2025.
Click here to apply for an electric vehicle subsidy. For more information about the subsidy see below.
If you have any queries, please email dtfelectricvehicles@sa.gov.au
Subsidies for Battery Electric and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles:
A $3,000 subsidy is available for new battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles meeting the following criteria:
Valued below $68,750 (including GST).
Registered in South Australia from October 28, 2021.
Purchased under a binding contract of sale on or before December 31, 2023.
Each individual residing in South Australia is eligible for one subsidy, while each business located in South Australia can receive up to two subsidies. Vehicles must be registered in South Australia and cannot have received a rebate in another jurisdiction.
The subsidy applies only to eligible new vehicles not previously registered and excludes used vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Refer to the Subsidy Terms and Conditions and FAQs for detailed eligibility criteria.
Subsidies are provided as rebates upon application following vehicle purchase and registration.
Vehicles registered after January 1, 2024, are eligible for a subsidy only if a binding contract of sale was entered into prior to that date (e.g., vehicle purchase or deposit payment and contract signing before December 31, 2023).
Before applying for an electric vehicle subsidy, review the Subsidy Terms and Conditions.
Click here to apply for an electric vehicle subsidy.
For inquiries, consult the FAQs or email dtfelectricvehicles@sa.gov.au
3-Year Motor Registration Fee Exemption for New Battery Electric and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles:
The government is offering a three-year registration fee exemption for new battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
This exemption applies to vehicles first registered between October 28, 2021, and June 30, 2025, with a price cap of $68,750 (inclusive of GST).
The exemption spans three years from the initial registration date of an eligible vehicle. For instance, a new battery electric vehicle registered on July 1, 2024, would enjoy exemption until June 30, 2027.
There is no limit on the number of eligible vehicles that can benefit from this exemption during the specified timeframe, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
Vehicles registered after July 1, 2025, will not be eligible for registration exemption. However, other registration-related charges such as compulsory third-party insurance, ESL, and stamp duty remain applicable upon registration.
Recipients of the eligible electric vehicle subsidy will receive a rebate on the first year’s registration charge as part of the subsidy application. The registration charge rebate for vehicles registered in 2023-24 (from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024) amounts to $148. Subsequent two years of registration exemption will be included in future registration renewal processes.
No additional application is necessary to receive the rebate on the first year’s registration charge.
For any inquiries, please contact dtfelectricvehicles@sa.gov.au.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the subsidy amount?
A $3,000 purchase subsidy is available for eligible new battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
When must the vehicle be purchased to qualify?
There are two criteria:
The vehicle must be first registered on or after October 28, 2021. Vehicles registered before this date are ineligible.
A binding contract of sale for the eligible vehicle must have been executed on or before December 31, 2023.
A binding contract typically includes instances where a deposit has been made towards the vehicle purchase.
This ensures that individuals who purchased a vehicle before the subsidy program ends on January 1, 2024, but are awaiting delivery, can still receive the subsidy.
If I purchased an electric vehicle before January 1, 2024, but it was registered after that date, am I still eligible for the subsidy?
Yes. If a binding contract of sale was signed on or before December 31, 2023, even if the vehicle is registered after January 1, 2024, it remains eligible for the subsidy, provided all other criteria are met.
I placed a deposit on a vehicle before January 1, 2024. Will I still qualify for the subsidy?
Yes, as long as you entered into a purchase contract when placing the deposit, and the vehicle meets all other criteria, it will be eligible for the subsidy.
Once your vehicle is registered, you can apply for the $3,000 subsidy. You’ll need to furnish evidence of the contract of sale being executed on or before December 31, 2023, as part of the application process.
I’ve ordered an electric vehicle but don’t know the delivery date. Can I claim the subsidy before registration?
No, the electric vehicle must be registered before it qualifies for the subsidy.
As long as a binding contract of sale for the eligible vehicle was signed on or before December 31, 2023, the subsidy can be claimed once the vehicle is registered.
Applications must be submitted by December 31, 2024.
Can I receive the subsidy for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle?
No. The subsidies are exclusively available for eligible battery electric or hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles.
Can I receive the subsidy on a used electric vehicle?
No. The subsidy is solely applicable to new vehicles that have not been previously registered.
There are exceptions to this rule for dealer demonstrator vehicles.
If I purchase a demonstrator electric vehicle, am I eligible for the subsidy?
Yes, demonstrator vehicles qualify for the subsidy under the following conditions:
The vehicle must be sold by the dealership. The tax invoice/contract of sale must explicitly denote the vehicle as a demonstrator model, including the odometer reading. A demonstrator vehicle is defined by the RevenueSA Information Circular 87 Stamp Duty on Motor Vehicles (see: https://www.revenuesa.sa.gov.au/forms-and-publications/information-circulars-and-revenue-rulings/information-circulars/ic_087).
The primary criteria for a demonstrator vehicle are as follows:
Initially registered under the dealership’s name. Has traveled up to 7,500 km or for a period of six months (whichever comes first) for metropolitan dealers; or up to 12,000 km or for a period of 12 months (whichever comes first) for regional dealers. Readily available for demonstration or sale at all times. The date of first registration for dealer demonstrator vehicles, for subsidy purposes, is when the vehicle is first registered under the name of the individual or business purchasing the demonstrator vehicle, not when it was registered by the licensed motor vehicle dealer for demonstration purposes.
What is covered by the price cap?
The $68,750 (including GST) price cap is determined based on the vehicle’s value for stamp duty purposes.
For new motor vehicles, this value is typically the recommended retail price or manufacturer’s list price, inclusive of GST and luxury car tax where applicable, as provided by the manufacturer.
Additional equipment or features not included in the manufacturer’s list price may or may not be added to calculate stamp duty. The Stamp Duties Act 1923 specifies certain optional equipment, such as “power steering” and specific types of transmissions, as dutiable.
If such additional equipment or features are part of the vehicle upon its public release, they are included in the list price. Hence, stamp duty is payable on the price set by the manufacturer as defined in the Stamp Duties Act 1923.
For more details and examples, refer to: https://www.revenuesa.sa.gov.au/stamp-duty-vehicles
Is there a limit on the number of subsidy claims?
An individual can claim the subsidy for one (1) eligible vehicle registered in South Australia, while a business can claim for up to two (2) eligible vehicles registered in South Australia.
Are sole traders or trusts eligible? Yes, businesses or organizations with a registered office or place of business in South Australia can access the subsidy for up to two eligible new vehicles registered in South Australia for business use. This includes companies, sole traders, partnerships, or trusts conducting business activities. Non-government organizations with an Australian Business Number are also eligible.
Can licensed car dealers receive the subsidy?
No, the subsidy is not available to licensed motor car dealers.
Can government entities receive the subsidy?
No, the subsidy is not available to any government entity, whether local, state, or Commonwealth.
Are leased vehicles eligible for the subsidy?
Yes, provided the vehicle is registered under the name of the individual or business entering into the leasing agreement and all other eligibility criteria are met.
However, the subsidy cap of one per individual and two per business still applies. A copy of the lease agreement must be provided during the application process.
Are motorcycles eligible for the subsidy?
No. Motorcycles, heavy vehicles, and special-purpose vehicles are not eligible for the subsidy.
If I have received a rebate in another state or territory, can I still get the SA subsidy?
No. If you have already accessed an electric vehicle rebate in another state or territory for the same vehicle, you are not eligible to claim the $3,000 subsidy in South Australia.
Our vehicle is jointly registered, and we’ve received the electric vehicle subsidy. If we buy another electric vehicle jointly or individually, can we get the subsidy again? No. An individual is eligible for only one subsidy, even if the registration is in joint names.
How do I apply for the subsidy? Complete the application form available at https://www.treasury.sa.gov.au/Growing-South-Australia/incentives-for-electric-vehicles
Registration Exemption: What is the amount of the motor registration fee exemption?
For the 2022-23 registration period, the exemption for eligible battery electric vehicles is $141.
For the 2023-24 registration period, the exemption for eligible battery electric vehicles is $148.
Other registration-related charges, including compulsory third-party insurance, ESL, and stamp duty, remain payable upon vehicle registration.
Can I receive both the upfront subsidy and 3-year registration exemption?
Yes, provided you meet the eligibility criteria.
Since vehicles must be registered before applying, eligible electric vehicle subsidy recipients will receive an additional rebate on the first year’s registration charge ($141 for vehicles first registered in 2022-23 or $148 for vehicles first registered in 2023-24). The following two years’ registration exemption will be included in future registration renewal processes.
How do I claim the registration exemption?
For vehicles where a binding contract of sale was signed on or before December 31, 2023:
An initial rebate on the first year’s registration charge ($141 for vehicles first registered in 2022-23 or $148 for vehicles first registered in 2023-24) will be provided as part of approved electric vehicle subsidy payments. No additional application is required.
If you’ve already received the maximum number of electric vehicle subsidies (one per individual or two per business) and wish to claim a registration exemption for an additional eligible electric vehicle first registered before June 30, 2025, please email dtfelectricvehicles@sa.gov.au for further instructions.
For vehicles purchased after January 1, 2024:
A separate claim form will be made available to claim the registration exemption. This form will be released shortly.
Are the registration exemptions affected by the electric vehicle subsidy changes implemented from January 1, 2024?
No, there have been no alterations to the registration exemption for electric vehicles. The exemption remains accessible as long as the criteria are fulfilled.
While there will be some administrative adjustments regarding how the first-year registration exemption is administered, this will not affect the availability or timelines for relief.