Motorists are to pay their ‘fair share’ for Victorian road network improvements, under new legislation introduced into the Parliament.
Treasurer Tim Pallas said a distance-based charge would apply to Victorian registered zero and low emission vehicles (ZLEVs) from 1 July.
“A 2.5 cent/km charge will apply to electric and other zero emission vehicles, including hydrogen vehicles, and a 2.0 cent/km charge will apply to plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles,” Mr Pallas said.
“The distance-based charge and other financial incentives ensure ZLEV owners continue to pay a fraction of the motor vehicle‑related taxes and charges that other vehicle owners pay to encourage uptake while still making a fair contribution to the cost of building and maintaining the road network Victorians rely on everyday,” he said.
Mr Pallas said that on average, electric vehicle owners would pay an additional $330 a year in distance-based road usage charges and plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles owners would pay an additional $260 a year.
“This compares to almost $600 a year paid by the average internal combustion engine vehicle owner in fuel excise,” the Minister said.
He said revenue raised from the charges would enable the State to continue to allocate funds toward the road and transport network, including in new electric vehicle charging infrastructure and reforms to enable electric vehicle ready buildings.
