The Greens and the government have agreed on amendments to the Treasury Laws Amendment (Electric Car Discount) Bill 2022 that prioritise electric vehicles over plug-in hybrids that rely on petrol. The agreement also includes shifting the Commonwealth fleet to electric vehicles.
Greens Leader and Climate Change spokesperson Adam Bandt MP has been negotiating with the Government in recent weeks to limit funding to petrol powered hybrids and to increase support for electric vehicles. Without the Greens’ votes in the Senate, the government was unable to pass the bill.
The government has agreed to support changes to the bill that will limit the support for plug-in hybrids and prioritise full electric vehicles, including:
- Sunsetting support for petrol-based plug-in hybrids on 1 April 2025 (in 2 years and 4 months’ time); and
- Prioritising zero-emission electric vehicles in the Australian government fleet procurement policy, by removing plug-in hybrid vehicles except in exceptional circumstances.
The ATO will also issue guidance on when household charging technology is able to be included within FBT-exempt vehicle packages.
With the amendments sought by Mr Bandt secured, Greens Senators will support the EV bill being passed by the Senate this week.
As stated by Greens Leader, Adam Bandt MP:
“The Greens have fast-tracked electric vehicles,” Mr Bandt said.
“The government fleet will go electric, and when these cars are sold second hand, it will help bring the cost down of EVs for everyday people.
“By limiting handouts to petrol cars and accelerating support for electric vehicles, the Greens in balance of power have pushed the government to go further and faster on climate.
“This shows the power of the Greens in pushing Labor to go further and faster on fossil fuels.”
