Electric Vehicle Rebate NSW

Purpose and Program Overview

The New South Wales Electric Vehicle Rebate program has closed for new purchases. The NSW Government has redirected its focus to supporting the transition of business fleets. The latest initiative is called the Electric Vehicle Fleets Incentive.

This program provides funding to eligible businesses. It helps them acquire battery electric vehicles and smart chargers. This helps reduce emissions from the transport sector and lowers the total cost of ownership for businesses.

The program’s goal is to fast-track the transition of business fleets. It offers funding to close the cost gap between electric and traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. This supports a broader shift to cleaner transport.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount or funding range: A fixed incentive per vehicle and charger is available. The amount varies based on the vehicle type.
• Application open and close dates: The application period for the 2024–25 financial year has closed.
• Eligible industries or business types: Businesses, non-profits, councils, and other organisations with fleets.
• Required co-contributions: Applicants must cover the remaining cost of the vehicle and any total cost of ownership gap not covered by the incentive.
• Location/state/territory applicability: New South Wales.

Priority Sectors

Electric Vehicle Rebate program is for businesses and organisations that operate vehicle fleets. It is open to a broad range of sectors. The focus is on fleet electrification.

Funding Scope

The program has two funding streams:

• Kick-start funding: This stream is for smaller fleets. It offers fixed incentives for vehicles and chargers. This is for pilot or small-scale transitions.
• Competitive bid: This stream is for larger fleets. It offers funding to cover a portion of the total cost of the ownership gap.

The fixed incentives for kick-start funding are: up to $5,000 for passenger vehicles and light commercial vehicles, and up to $10,000 for light trucks. The program also provides funding for smart chargers.

Grant Amount in Total

A single total funding amount for the program is not specified. Funding is allocated in rounds. For example, a recent competitive bid round had a $6 million pool.

Eligibility Criteria

• Business structure or size: The kick-start stream is for smaller organisations. The competitive bid stream is for organisations looking to transition 11 or more vehicles.
• Registered business location: Organisations must operate a fleet in New South Wales.
• Minimum/maximum turnover: Not specified.
• Insurance or compliance obligations: Not specified.
• ABN/GST status: Not specified.

The incentive generally does not apply to vehicles for personal use. It also excludes novated leasing arrangements.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

The grant supports the procurement of eligible vehicles and charging infrastructure. This includes:

• Purchase of new battery electric vehicles (BEVs)
• Purchase and installation of smart chargers

Assessment Process

The program is a combination of competitive and entitlement-based funding. The competitive bid stream is assessed based on the lowest funding requested per tonne of carbon emissions abated. The kick-start funding is a fixed-rate incentive for those who meet the criteria.

Recent Program Updates

The original NSW Electric Vehicle Rebate for new purchases ended on 31 December 2023. The new Electric Vehicle Fleets Incentive is a separate program for businesses. Application periods for recent rounds have now closed.

Application Tips

Double-check all eligibility criteria. Prepare key documents in advance. Align the proposal with government priorities. Show capability, outcomes, and benefits.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist like Pattens Group. We offer initial assessments to review your business’s eligibility and evaluate how well your project aligns with the grant’s objectives. Visit revenue.nsw.gov.au for guidelines and support.