To support the uptake of electric vehicles in South Australia, the government is providing a $3,000 subsidy and a 3-year registration exemption* on eligible new battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles first registered from 28 October 2021.
*Other registration related charges including Compulsory Third Party insurance, Emergency Services Levy and stamp duty will still be payable when a vehicle is registered.
Important changes from 1 January 2024
The subsidy for eligible new battery electric or hydrogen cell fuel vehicles ended on 1 January 2024.
Individuals and businesses that entered into a binding contract for the purchase of an eligible electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicle prior to 1 January 2024 will still be eligible to receive the subsidy provided an application is submitted by 31 December 2024.
Please note: subsidy applications will not be accepted after 31 December 2024.
There are no changes to the registration exemption for electric vehicles. A 3-year exemption will still be available to any eligible new electric vehicles valued below $68,750 and first registered between 28 October 2021 and 30 June 2025.
Click here to apply for the 3-year registration fee exemption for electric vehicles (external site). For more information about the registration concession refer to the information below.
If you have any queries, please email dtfelectricvehicles@sa.gov.au
The Government is providing a 3-year registration fee exemption for new battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
The exemption is available for new battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles first registered from 28 October 2021 and up to 30 June 2025 (inclusive). A price cap of $68,750 (inclusive of GST) applies.
The exemption will apply for three years from the date of first registration of an eligible vehicle. For example, a new battery electric vehicle first registered on 1 July 2024 would receive the registration exemption over the period 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2027.
There is no limit on the number of new battery electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles that can receive relief during the eligible time period, subject to the eligibility criteria being met.
Vehicles first registered on or after 1 July 2025 will not receive any registration exemption. Other registration related charges including Compulsory Third Party insurance, Emergency Services Levy and stamp duty will still be payable when a vehicle is registered.
The registration charge rebate for a vehicle first registered in 2024-25 (from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025) is $152. The registration exemption for the following two years will be automatically applied as a discount during the future registration renewal process.
Before applying you should read the Registration Fee Exemption Terms and Conditions
If you have any queries, please email dtfelectricvehicles@sa.gov.au
Can I receive the $3000 subsidy for eligible electric vehicles?
No. Applications for the $3000 subsidy scheme closed on 31 December 2024. No applications will be considered for the $3000 subsidy beyond this date.
Can I receive the 3-year registration exemption for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle?
No. The registration exemption is only available for eligible battery electric or hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles.
Can I receive the 3-year registration exemption on a used electric vehicle?
No. The registration exemption is only available for eligible new vehicles that have not been previously registered.
There are exemptions to this requirement for dealer demonstrator vehicles.
If I purchase a demonstrator electric vehicle, am I eligible for the 3-year registration exemption?
Yes. demonstrator vehicles are eligible for the subsidy with the following requirements:
- The vehicle must be on-sold by the dealership
- The tax invoice/contract of sale must clearly state the vehicle is a demonstrator model, with the odometer reading listed.
A demonstrator vehicle is defined by the RevenueSA Information Circular 87 Stamp Duty on Motor Vehicles (see: Revenue SA's website)
The key criteria for a demonstrator vehicle is as follows:
- Registered initially in the name of the dealership
- Has travelled a distance of up to 7,500 km or a period of six months (whichever is attained first) for metropolitan dealers, or for a regional dealer up to 12,000 km or a period of 12 months (whichever is attained first)
- Readily available for demonstration or sale at all times.
The date of first registration for dealer demonstrator vehicles for the purpose of the registration exemption will be when the vehicle is first registered in the name of the individual or business purchasing a demonstrator vehicle, not when a vehicle was registered by the licensed motor vehicle dealer for demonstration purposes.
What is included in the price cap?
The $68,750 (including GST) price cap is based on the value of the vehicle for stamp duty purposes.
The value of a new motor vehicle for stamp duty purposes is the recommended retail price or manufacturer's list price (including GST and luxury car tax, where applicable) issued by the manufacturer.
The value of any additional equipment or features not included by the manufacturer in the list price of a new motor vehicle may or may not need to be added to the list price for calculating stamp duty.
The Stamp Duties Act 1923 specifically identifies 2 items of optional equipment as being dutiable - "power steering" and "a particular type of transmission (for example, automatic transmission) ".
Where additional equipment or features are part of the vehicle as it is released to the public, the list price includes these items. Therefore, stamp duty is payable on the "'price fixed" by the manufacturer as defined in the Stamp Duties Act 1923.
For further information and examples see: https://www.revenuesa.sa.gov.au/stamp-duty-vehicles (external site)
Is there a limit on the number of claims I can make for the 3-year registration exemption?
No. There is no limit on the number of eligible new vehicles that can receive the registration exemption.
Are sole traders or trusts eligible for the 3-year registration exemption?
A business or organisation with a registered office or place of business in South Australia can access the registration exemption for eligible new vehicles registered in South Australia for business purposes. A business includes a company, sole trader, partnership or trust carrying on a business. An organisation includes a non-government organisation with an Australian Business Number.
I am a car dealer, can I receive the 3-year registration exemption?
No. The registration exemption is not available for licensed motor car dealers.
Can a government entity receive the 3-year registration exemption?
No. The registration exemption is not available for any government entity, including local, state or Commonwealth.
If the vehicle is purchased via a leasing arrangement, am I eligible to receive the 3-year registration exemption?
Yes. As long as the vehicle is registered in the name of the individual or the business entering into the leasing arrangement and all other eligibility criteria has been met, the registration exemption is available.
Are motor bikes eligible for the 3-year registration exemption?
No. Motor bikes, heavy vehicles and special purpose vehicles are not eligible for the registration exemption.
How do I apply for the 3-year registration exemption?
Complete an application form available at https://www.treasury.sa.gov.au/Growing-South-Australia/incentives-for-electric-vehicles
How much is the motor registration fee exemption?
The 2022-23 registration fee exemption for an eligible battery electric vehicle is $141 for a 12-month registration period.
The 2023-24 registration fee exemption for an eligible battery electric vehicle is $148 for a 12-month registration period.
The 2024-25 registration fee exemption for an eligible battery electric vehicle is $152 for a 12-month registration period.
Other registration related charges including Compulsory Third Party insurance, Emergency Services Levy and stamp duty will still be payable when a vehicle is registered.
Information on further initiatives to support the uptake of electric vehicles are provided on the DEM website.