Many South Australians are considering switching to an electric vehicle, but say the state government’s proposed EV tax would make them less likely to buy an electric vehicle, according to a new study published by the Australia Institute
The survey of 599 South Australians across the political spectrum found strong support for incentives to reduce the up-front costs of electric vehicles, and 73% agreed that electric vehicles reduce pollution and are good for the climate, public health and the environment.
In addition, 42% of respondents said they are considering making their next car an electric vehicle – 11% of all respondents said they would definitely buy an electric vehicle as their next car, while 31% said an electric vehicle “may “Would be her next car.
Unsurprisingly, 72% of South Australians say they would help the state government cut the cost of electric vehicles through subsidies and / or stamp duty exemptions.
Most importantly, of those 72% who would like government support to buy electric vehicles, political affiliation seemed to be of little concern – with high support for subsidies and / or waivers from Liberals (75%), Labor ( 75% and Greens). (85%) voters.
The survey also showed that 69% of South Australians agree they would be less likely to buy an electric vehicle if the South Australian government introduced a road toll like the government EV tax from Victoria’s Laboratory.
South Australian Treasurer Rob Lucas proposed a road toll in his 2020-2021 budget – forecasting it would bring in around $ 1 million annually, and that would have included a fixed component and a variable fee based on distance traveled.
However, the move was instantly ridiculed and shouted down by the opposition Labor Party in South Australia, as well as the auto industry, proponents of electric vehicles and consumers, and even academics.
In February it was reported that the Liberal Party of South Australia is still considering introducing an electric vehicle road charge, such as the highly controversial EV tax per kilometer that Victoria is introducing. But the plans were put on hold in March and postponed 12 months beyond the next state election.
“Many South Australians are considering switching to an electric car, but the state government’s proposed EV tax will put the handbrake on that craze,” said Noah Schultz-Byard, SA Director at the Australia Institute.
“South Australia is leading the nation in adopting wind and solar power, but those efforts will be severely undermined as the government pushes its EV tax.
“Tailpipe emissions remain high in South Australia and, given the recent IPCC climate report, we should do everything in our power to switch to zero-emission vehicles. The South Australian government should reverse their plans to introduce a Victorian-style EV tax. “