Welcome to the Living Smart Program | Welcome to the Living Smart Program

Electric vehicles are getting cheaper to run, but the upfront cost can still make people hesitate. Queensland used to offer a cash rebate for new EVs, but that program has now closed.

The good news is there are still a few ways to cut the cost of owning one – and some of them are automatic.

Why the old rebate ended

Queensland’s Zero Emission Vehicle rebate ran out of funding in 2023–24. It offered $3,000 and later $6,000 for eligible new EVs, but demand was high and the program wrapped up earlier than expected. There’s no replacement rebate at the moment.

What support is still available


Incentive Type	Active?	Value	Notes
QLD Purchase Rebate	❌ No	—	Ended 2023–24
Registration Discount	✅ Yes	$200/year	Automatic
Stamp Duty Concession	✅ Yes	Varies	Automatic
Federal FBT Exemption	✅ Yes	$6k–$12k/yr	Novated lease only
Charger Rebates (Business)	✅ Yes	Up to $3k	DRIVEN program
Public Charger Co‑funding	✅ Yes	Up to 50%	QRIDA

Registration discount

Queensland gives battery‑electric and hydrogen vehicles a $200 discount on registration each year. You don’t need to apply – it’s taken off automatically when you register the car.

Lower stamp duty

EVs attract a lower stamp duty rate than petrol or diesel cars. This also happens automatically at purchase, so there’s nothing extra to do.

Fringe Benefits Tax exemption

This is the most valuable incentive in Australia if you use a novated lease. The federal government’s FBT exemption can save thousands of dollars a year.

Applies to BEVs priced below the Luxury Car Tax threshold ($89,332 in 2026).
Typical savings: $6,000–$12,000 per year, depending on income and vehicle price.

This only applies to battery‑electric vehicles under the luxury car tax threshold.

Other EV‑Related Incentives (Useful but not vehicle rebates)

Federal DRIVEN Charger Rebate Stream (2025–28)

For businesses (not private buyers):

Rebates up to $3,000 per charger for eligible EV charger installations.
Part of the Driving the Nation Fund .

What this means for you

Even without a purchase rebate, EVs can still be cheaper to own over time. Lower running costs, fewer moving parts, and the remaining incentives all help bring the total cost down.

If you’re buying through a novated lease, the savings can be significant.

Smart ways to save even more

A few simple habits can help keep costs down once you’ve made the switch.

charge at home during off‑peak times if your electricity plan offers them
use public chargers that offer free or discounted rates when available
keep tyres inflated and the car serviced — EVs still benefit from basic maintenance
if you’re installing a home charger, compare quotes and check whether your workplace or local council offers support.