EV stamp duty, rego and road charges by state
Most states now charge EVs the same stamp duty and registration as petrol cars. The main exceptions in 2026 are Queensland (2% duty on EVs up to $100,000), the NT (free rego and a duty discount until June 2027) and the ACT (cheaper emissions-based rego). NSW plans a per-kilometre EV charge from July 2027. Federally, EVs on a novated lease are still free of fringe benefits tax.
EV stamp duty, rego and road charges by state
As at October 2026. Rules change often, so check with your state revenue office before you buy.
| State | Stamp duty on EVs | Registration | EV road charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | Full duty (the EV exemption ended 1 January 2024) | No EV discount | A per-km charge is planned from 1 July 2027: about 3.1c/km for EVs and 2.5c/km for plug-ins at 2026–27 rates. Not yet in force. |
| Victoria | Standard rates. EVs avoid the higher luxury rates other cars pay above about $80,800. | The $100 EV discount ended 1 January 2026 | None. Victoria's old EV charge was struck down by the High Court in 2023. |
| Queensland | Lower rate of 2% on EVs and hybrids up to $100,000 (3% for a typical four-cylinder petrol car) | No EV discount | None |
| South Australia | Full duty | The three-year free rego offer has closed | None |
| Western Australia | Full duty | No EV discount (the $3,500 rebate closed in May 2025) | None |
| Tasmania | Full duty (the exemption ended in 2023) | No EV discount | None |
| ACT | Tiered rates: 2.5% to $45,000, 4% to $80,000, 8% above. EVs were exempt until 31 August 2025. | Moving to emissions-based rego: zero-emission cars pay less | None |
| NT | Up to $1,500 off duty on EVs up to $50,000, until 30 June 2027 | Free rego for EVs and plug-ins until 30 June 2027 | None |
How much stamp duty will I pay?
Stamp duty (motor vehicle duty) is charged once, when the car is first registered to you. In most states it works out at roughly 3–5% of the price for a mid-priced car, so a $50,000 EV attracts about $1,500–2,500. Drive-away prices already include it; "before on-road costs" prices don't. Our cost-to-own figures add about $4,000 for on-road costs, which covers duty, rego and dealer delivery for a typical car.
Is EV registration cheaper?
Usually not any more. Most states that offered EV rego discounts have ended them. Rego is mostly set by vehicle weight or type, plus compulsory third party (CTP) insurance, so an EV costs about the same to register as a similar petrol car. The ACT and NT are the exceptions.
Will EVs pay a road user charge?
EV drivers don't pay fuel excise, which funds roads, so governments are looking at distance-based charges. Victoria's charge was ruled invalid by the High Court in 2023 (more on the road charge debate). NSW still plans a charge from 1 July 2027 (about 3.1c/km for EVs and 2.5c/km for plug-ins at 2026–27 rates, rising with inflation), but is reviewing it after that ruling. At 3.1c/km, driving 250 km a week would add about $7.75 a week, still well below what a petrol car pays in fuel. The May 2026 federal budget did not add a national charge.
Official sources by state
- NSW: Revenue NSW
- Victoria: State Revenue Office Victoria
- Queensland: Queensland Revenue Office
- South Australia: RevenueSA
- Western Australia: WA Department of Finance
- Tasmania: State Revenue Office Tasmania
- ACT: ACT Revenue Office
- NT: Territory Revenue Office
Common questions
Do you pay stamp duty on electric cars in Australia?
Yes, in most states. NSW, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania charge full duty on EVs. Queensland charges a lower 2% on EVs up to $100,000, the NT gives up to $1,500 off for EVs up to $50,000 until June 2027, and Victoria and the ACT have their own rate scales.
Is EV registration free in Australia?
Only in the Northern Territory, where battery EVs and plug-in hybrids get free registration until 30 June 2027. Elsewhere EVs pay normal registration, although the ACT's emissions-based rego is cheaper for zero-emission cars.
Do EVs pay a road user charge?
Not yet. Victoria's charge was struck down by the High Court in 2023. NSW plans a per-kilometre charge from 1 July 2027 (about 3.1c/km at 2026–27 rates), and there is no national charge.
Are there still EV rebates in Australia?
No state offers a purchase rebate for new EVs in 2026; the last ones closed in 2024 and 2025. The biggest remaining saving is the federal FBT exemption for EVs bought through a novated lease.
More guides
More in Government charges
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How we work it out, and our sources
Weekly cost = the car's energy use × 250 km × your electricity or fuel price, with 90% of charging at home. Prices are list prices at October 2026; check with the dealer.
- Electricity: 2026–27 default rates (AER, Victorian Default Offer, state retailers). Public charging: Sydney network prices, July 2026.
- Petrol and diesel: ACCC capital-city averages, 21 October 2026.
- Cars: maker figures via CarExpert, Drive, CarsGuide and EV Central. Plug-in electric range is taken as 80% of the claim.
- Servicing: published capped prices; marked as an estimate where not yet published (CarExpert comparison).
- Tyres: an EV set lasts about 35,000 km, a petrol or hybrid set 50,000 km (RACV); prices from Gridly.
- Home charger: about $2,000 installed ($1,000–$3,000). Novated leases: PwC summary.
Printed from EV Pick · evpick.com.au. Prices and costs are estimates; check with the dealer. © 2026 EV Pick (T. Crouch). For personal use only; not to be copied, republished or sold without permission.