Queensland's new Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy

On 16 March 2022, the Queensland Government released Queensland's Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy 2022-2032 and the first Zero Emission Vehicle Action Plan 2022-2024.

This strategy is accelerating Queensland toward a cleaner, greener transport future while making sure our energy network supports the transition to zero emission vehicles.

The 10-year strategy reaffirms our commitment to support Queensland's shift to zero net emissions by 2050 through the following targets:

  • 50% of new passenger vehicle sales to be zero emission by 2030, moving to 100% by 2036
  • 100% of eligible Queensland Government fleet passenger vehicles to be zero emission by 2026
  • every new TransLink funded bus added to the fleet to be a zero emission bus from 2025 in South East Queensland and from 2025-2030 across regional Queensland.

On our journey towards these targets, Queenslanders will benefit from:

  • improved air quality
  • quieter neighbourhoods and streets
  • increased skills and development opportunities
  • improved health for our community and the broader environment.

The Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy 2022 -2032 is a whole of Queensland Government strategy developed in partnership between the Department of Transport and Main Roads and Department of Energy and Public Works. The strategy aligns with the Queensland Transport Strategy supporting strategic outcomes for:

  • accessible, convenient transport
  • efficient reliable and productive transport for people and goods
  • sustainable, resilient, and liveable communities.

Extensive engagement with community, industry, interest groups and local and state government informed the strategy. This included 4,600 Queenslanders who contributed to the public survey, nearly 200 written submissions and direct engagement with over 100 key stakeholders and experts in targeted workshops.

How we will transition to zero emission journeys

The Zero Emission Vehicle Action Plan 2022-2024 details the key initiatives and actions that continue to shift Queenslanders to zero emission vehicles while enjoying the benefits of an integrated energy and transport system. This includes a focus on alternative fuels, new and emerging technologies as well as zero emission technologies, and vehicle modes.

It sets out initiatives we will progress over the next 2 years to increase zero emission vehicle uptake across Queensland communities, businesses, and government fleets.

Replacing internal combustion engine vehicles with zero emission vehicles reduces greenhouse gas emissions, improves urban air quality, and health, while supporting industry and the energy sector to create more sustainable jobs across growing sectors, such as the renewables industry.

Action plan key initiatives

Purchase rebate

We are making zero emission vehicles more affordable by reducing upfront costs for Queenslanders.

Buyers of new eligible zero emission vehicles with a purchase price (dutiable value) of up to $58,000 (including GST) on or after 16 March 2022 can apply for a $3,000 rebate and continue to receive existing benefits like discounted vehicle registration and registration duty costs.

Dutiable value is the total purchase price paid (including GST) for the vehicle, which includes delivery costs, accessories and options added to the vehicle and any other charges or fees levied by the dealer on the purchaser.

Registration fees and vehicle registration duty are not included as part of the dutiable value.

About the rebate

From 1 July 2022 a rebate is available to battery electric passenger and light commercial vehicles only. Rebates will be available until the allocation is exhausted.

If you apply for a rebate keep proof of purchase information (such as contract of sale, Dealer tax invoice displaying final payment and date the vehicle was sold) to support your application.

Vehicles not eligible for a rebate include:

  • second-hand vehicles
  • dealer/demonstrator models
  • a retro-fitted zero emission vehicles and other vehicle conversion kits (including any other alternative fuel source)
  • hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles
  • heavy vehicles over 4.5t such as trucks and buses
  • personal mobility devices for example electric/motorised wheelchairs, electric scooters, mobility scooters and
  • electric bicycles
  • electric motorcycles, trikes and mopeds
  • electric boats or marine vessels
  • zero emission vehicles registered before 16 March 2022
  • zero emission vehicles managed through a lease or a fleet management organisation
  • zero emission vehicles that previously received a rebate, grant or subsidy in other Australian state or territories.

Public charging infrastructure

We are providing more public electric vehicle fast-charging options to ensure Queenslanders and tourists can charge in more locations across Queensland.

A $10 million co-fund will support more public charging options, in partnership with local government and industry.

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Queensland has a long tradition of holiday road trips. Packing for family adventures, enjoying Queensland's vast and diverse landscapes.

Queensland's Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy and electric vehicle Charging Infrastructure Scheme is investing $10 million to strengthen our electric vehicle charging network.

Partnering with private industry and local government the Queensland Government is co-funding even more public fast charging infrastructure, so Queenslanders can charge their Electric Vehicles in more locations than ever.

This means you and your family will have the confidence to take that electric vehicle road trip and enjoy all the benefits this technology provides.

Where in Queensland do you plan to explore next in your electric vehicle?

QFleet transition to zero emission vehicles

We will replace all eligible government fleet vehicles with electric vehicles as current leases expire and when a suitable alternative is available and appropriate for business needs.

It is expected that there will be more than 288 vehicles in the QFleet fleet (fleet manager for the Queensland Government) by the end of 2022.

How we measure success

We will measure the effectiveness of our strategy and actions through improved data sharing, customer surveys and measuring outcomes from each of the priority areas.

We will build on our initial investment over time with clear targets set to support Queensland’s shift to zero emissions transport options, including:

  • 50% of new light vehicle sales to be zero emissions by 2030, moving to 100% by 2036
  • 100% of QFleet light passenger vehicles to be zero emission by 2026
  • every new TransLink-funded bus will be zero emissions from 2025 in South-East Queensland and from 2025-2030 across regional Queensland.

Electric vehicle snapshot

The electric vehicle snapshot provides an overview of measurable zero emission vehicle statistics. It includes the registration of zero emission vehicles in Queensland suburbs, market share of different models and Queensland Electric Super Highway use.

The Future is Electric Strategy

The new Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy builds on The Future is Electric: Queensland’s Electric Vehicle Strategy – a strategy to begin Queensland's shift to a cleaner, greener electric vehicle fleet which was launched in 2017.

The Queensland Electric Super Highway was a key action and delivered a network of 31 fast charging stations connecting electric vehicles from Coolangatta to Port Douglas and from Brisbane to Toowoomba.

Read The Future is Electric: Queensland’s Electric Vehicle Strategy.