Queensland's 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.
We plan to accelerate 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.
Across 2021, 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 between 2022 and 2024 to increase zero emission vehicle uptake across Queensland households, 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 new zero emission vehicles more affordable by reducing upfront costs for Queenslanders.
Enhancements to the rebate scheme from 1 July 2023
As part of the Zero Emission Vehicle Rebate Scheme, more financial assistance is available for households earning less than or equal to $180,000 per year. Applications for the enhanced scheme open from 1 July 2023. The enhancements include:
- an increase to the eligibility threshold for purchase price (dutiable value) from $58,000 to $68,000, including GST.
- an increase to the rebate from $3000 to $6000 for eligible households earning up to a total taxable household income of $180,000 per year.
- if you have already received a $3000 rebate as part of the initial rebate scheme and have a total taxable household income of up to $180,000 per year, you may also be eligible for an additional 'top-up' payment of $3000. Queensland businesses are ineligible for the top-up payment.
- households with a total taxable income of up to $180,000 per year can apply for a $3000 rebate, subject to the vehicle meeting the eligibility criteria.
- businesses can only apply for a $3000 rebate, subject to the vehicle meeting the eligibility criteria.
Proof of purchase
If you apply for a rebate, please keep your proof of purchase information to support your application, such as:
- contract of sale
- dealer tax invoice displaying final payment
- date the vehicle was sold.
Vehicles not eligible for a rebate
Vehicles not eligible for a rebate include:
- new zero emission vehicles registered before 16 March 2022
- new zero emission vehicles purchased for more than the original dutiable value ($58,000 including GST) but less than the revised dutiable value ($68,000 including GST) between 16 March 2022 and 20 April 2023
- new zero emission vehicles purchased for more than the dutiable value ($68,000 including GST) on or after 21 April 2023
- dealer or demonstrator models
- second-hand vehicles
- 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
- E-mobility devices, including, but not limited to electric/motorised wheelchairs, electric scooters, mobility scooters and electric bikes
- electric motorcycles, trikes and mopeds
- electric boats or marine vessels
- 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.
Apply for a rebate
Visit the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority website to apply for the rebate and find information on eligibility requirements and program guidelines.
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 third party providers.
Successful charging infrastructure scheme entities
Access a full list of successful applicants on our charging infrastructure co-fund scheme webpage.
Read more about the charging infrastructure scheme on the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority website.
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.
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.
- April 2023 snapshot (PDF) | April 2023 snapshot (HTML)
- January 2023 snapshot (PDF) | January 2023 snapshot (HTML)
- October 2022 snapshot (PDF) | October 2022 snapshot (HTML)
- July 2022 snapshot (PDF) | July 2022 snapshot (HTML)
- April 2022 snapshot (PDF) | April 2022 snapshot (HTML)
- January 2022 snapshot (PDF) | January 2022 snapshot (HTML)
- November 2022 snapshot (PDF) | November 2022 snapshot (HTML)
- August 2021 snapshot (PDF) | August 2021 snapshot (HTML)
- May 2021 snapshot (PDF) | May 2021 snapshot (HTML)
- January 2021 snapshot (PDF) | January 2021 snapshot (HTML)
Figures presented in the snapshots are from registration and sales data collected by the Department of Transport and Main Roads. Queensland Electric Super Highway figures are extracted via Chargefox – the charge point operator for Queensland Electric Super Highway network.
The Future is Electric Strategy
The 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. Since The Future is Electric, we have continued to develop the Queensland Electric Super Highway. Phase 3 of the Queensland Electric Super Highway will build on the number of fast-charging locations across a number of rural and regional routes. Once completed Phase 3 will contribute to a Queensland Electric Super Highway network of more than 54 locations across the state.
Read The Future is Electric: Queensland’s Electric Vehicle Strategy.