EV takeup rocketing as WA hands out millions to people going electric

A rebate scheme putting $3500 back in the pockets of commuters who buy an electric vehicle has been bolstered by another $9.5 million thanks to its extraordinary takeup, 9 News Perth and WAtoday can reveal.

Expansion of the zero-emission vehicle rebate scheme was warranted by the surge in the number of electric cars on West Australian roads, which has increased 513 per cent since 2021.

EV uptake is rocketing in WA.Credit: Dominic Lorrimer

As of June 30 there were 23,125 licensed light EVs in WA meaning EV’s now make up one per cent of total licensed vehicles in the state.

Since the scheme started, $32.2 million has been paid out to 9201 West Australians to encourage zero-emission vehicle purchases in WA.

“We’re pleased to be able to provide another $9.5 million to the rebate scheme to enable more drivers to take up the rebate,” Road Safety Minister David Michael said.

“Electric vehicles now make up more than one per cent of the state’s light vehicle fleet for the first time.

“WAs uptake of EVs is a positive step in the right direction as we pursue our goal to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.”

Drivers need to apply for the rebate before May 10 next year and only cars fully powered by batteries or hydrogen fuel cells are eligible.

A report released by the EV Council this week showed one in every 10 cars sold in Australia is now electric, with that expected to double in the next two years as cheaper models emerge.

RAC WA Manager of Vehicles and Fuels Alex Forrest said their members were increasingly buying EVs with a line of commuters often lining up to refuel at their publicly available charging stations.

“We’re very much at the tip of the iceberg when it comes it EV uptake,” Forrest said.

“We would certainly support an extension of the cutoff date [past May 2025] for the rebate scheme.”

The City of Gosnells is replacing its entire fleet with electric cars, with eight MGs and Teslas, as well as five hybrids on the books.

“They’re fantastic, I don’t have to go into the service station anymore. Sorry service stations,” Mayor Teressa Lynes said.