Northern Territory car sales: 4WDs sell big, calls to incentivise electric car options
The automobile industry says cost-of-living pressures are pushing Territorians away from zero-to-low emission vehicle options, arguing the government would need to financially incentivise buyers if ‘decarbonisation’ is to be achieved.
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The automobile industry is calling on the Territory government to incentivise people to buying electric vehicles amid fears that cost-of-living pressures are pushing Territorians away from the environmentally-friendly option.
The call comes after the Motor Trade Association SA/NT released data which showed car sales was 9.4 per cent higher from the same time in 2023.
As usual, 4WDs were the most sold vehicles, which MTA SA/NT chief executive Darrell Jacobs said was consistent with the Territorian “lifestyle”.
“The Territory’s foot is still on the pedal with strong vehicle sales continuing,” he said.
“Whether for work or lifestyle, Territorians love their utes and 4X4s, and this is reflected in the top five vehicles sold this year.”
The crowd-favourite Toyota Hilux 4x4 took top spot with 642 units sold.
In second place, the Toyota LandCruiser sold 254 units, with Toyota RAV4 a close third, registering 239 sales.
Rounding off the top five was the Ford Ranger and Mitsubishi Outlander, which placed fourth and fifth respectively.
However, despite 17.9 per cent of new cars sold being zero and low emission vehicles, Mr Jacobs said financial pressures had pushed people away from buying electric vehicles.
“(Electric vehicles) enjoyed excellent growth last year, but there are clearly barriers to further adoption,” he said.
“Affordability remains a top consideration as cost-of-living pressures mount, and buyers are voting with their wallets.”
New electric vehicles sold in the Territory was up 54.3 per cent from May 2023, however Mr Jacobs maintained the NT government needed to incentivise Territorians to buy electric vehicles, hybrids and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
“At a time when electric vehicles still command a price premium, consumer incentives are needed if we are to drive our decarbonisation.”
The MTA SA/NT proposed the government reinstate Territorians $3,000 for buying electric vehicles below $68,750.
Additionally, it was suggested that consumers should be reinstated $2000 and $1000 for buying a plug-in hybrid or traditional hybrid respectively.
Mr Jacobs said incentives were necessary to achieve “decarbonisation”.
“At a time when electric vehicles still command a price premium, consumer incentives are needed if we are to drive our decarbonisation.”
Currently, the NT government has registration and stamp duty concessions in place for electric vehicles, with free registration for new and existing plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) available until 30 June 2027.
Free registration applies to both new and existing PEVs.
Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Minister Joel Bowden said the government was already “actively” involved in promoting electric vehicles.
“The Territory Labor government is actively facilitating the adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) across the Territory through strategic investment,” he said.
“Over the last three years, there’s been an increase in electric passenger vehicles in the NT from 60 to 650 — this is in part due to the Territory government’s commitment to a renewable future.”
To date, several initiatives to prop up green-friendly vehicles have been introduced, including the commencement of the residential and business electric vehicle charger grants program, the electric vehicle charger grant scheme and the implementation of EV number plate labelling.
With the Territory having increased its registered electric vehicles from 60 passengers vehicles in July 2021 to more than 650 in April 2024, Mr Bowden said the Territory was ahead of other states and territories in providing incentives.
“We have been leading other jurisdictions when it comes to electric vehicle incentives,” he said.
“We offer $1500 off stamp duty until 2027, and the opportunity to apply to have part of your electric charging station paid off”.
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