The NSW Government’s almost $500 million package to accelerate the uptake of electric vehicles [1] is the beginning of the end of the internal combustion engine’s 120-year monopoly on road transportation in NSW. [2] 

“This is an historic and very welcome package from a government that has significantly increased its commitment to climate action over the past few years,” Nature Conservation Council Chief Executive Chris Gambian said.  

“It will not only reduce the climate impact of road transportation, it will reduce the health impact that cars have on people by improving air quality across our congested cities. 

“I commend the Premier and all the ministers who have made this possible, including Treasurer Dominic Perrottet, Transport Minister Andrew Constance, Deputy Premier and Regional NSW Minister John Barilaro, and Environment Minister Matt Kean.” 

The package includes: 

• Cash rebates and stamp duty exemptions on purchases of new EVs;  
• Targets for a converting the government fleet;  
• Cash incentives for companies to install charging station across the state;  
• Transit lane access for peak-hour EV commuters; and 
• Postponing an EV road user charge until 2027 or when EVs make up 30% of new vehicle purchases. 

“Making the state’s vehicle fleet run on 100% clean energy is the next big challenge after transitioning the electricity grid in NSW,” Mr Gambian said. 

“We still have a long way to go to clean up the grid, but the government has shown today that it understands the urgent need to also tackle the transport sector. 

“About 22 per cent of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions are from the vehicles, so electrification of transport is a key to tackling climate change. [3] 

“The government’s electric vehicle package signals the beginning of the end of the internal combustion engine as the dominant mode of road transport in this state and the dawn of a new, clean energy era.” 

Earlier this month the Nature Conservation Council launched its campaign to convert the state’s fleet to electric vehicles. The council’s Accelerate NSW campaign includes policies to: 

• Waive stamp duty for EV purchases
• Reduce registration fees for EVs
• Provide direct incentives for individuals and businesses to upgrade to EVs
• Mandate EVs for all new government fleet purchases  
• Set EV ambitious vehicle targets for the NSW fleet 

“We are very pleased that the government has acted on most the of priorities we have identified,” Mr Gambian said. 

[1] NSW to abolish stamp duty on electric cars in an effort to boost uptake, SMH, 20-6-21 

[2] The Motor Car in NSW, 1900-1937, Lester Hovenden, Sydney University, 1981  

[3] NSW Emissions, NSW Government, 2021    

The Nature Conservation Council today launched its campaign to accelerate the uptake of electric vehicles in NSW as a new plank in its broader campaign to transition the state economy to 100% clean energy by 2030. 

The council’s Accelerate NSW campaign includes policies to: 

1. Waive stamp duty for EV purchases   
2. Reduce registration fees for EVs 
3. Provide direct incentives for individuals and businesses to upgrade to EVs 
4. Mandate EVs for all new government fleet purchases  
5. Set EV ambitious vehicle targets for the NSW fleet 

“Making the state’s vehicle fleet run on 100% clean energy is the next big challenge after transitioning the electricity grid in NSW,” Nature Conservation Council Chief Executive said. 

“We still have a long way to go to clean up the grid, but we can’t wait until that’s done to tackle the transport sector. 

“About 20 per cent of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions are from the vehicles, so electrification of transport is a key to tackling climate change.  

“The measures we’ve outlined in our Accelerate NSW plan will kick start the industry in NSW and put us on the right track. 

“In the next two weeks, the NSW government is finalising its plans to support or tax electric vehicles as part of the budget process.  

“We strongly urge the government to support the transition from petrol and diesel by waiving stamp duty for EV purchases, slashing rego costs and providing direct incentives that will encourage individuals and businesses to upgrade to EVs sooner rather than later. 

“I know that many government ministers understand that accelerating the roll out of electric vehicles benefits everyone. But there are also some who would prefer to slap a new tax on electric vehicles.   

“The government should be making electric cars affordable for everyone, because healthy air and a safe climate benefit us all.” 

The Nature Conservation Council has released a video and started a petition. We are urging people who want to see electric vehicles made more affordable to sign the petition and support the campaign. 

Petition: nature.org.au/ev