Victorian Greens want to end road-user charge, drive EV uptake and revive manufacturing

The Greens have proposed a ban on new petrol car sales from 2030

The Victorian Greens party has announced its latest electric vehicle policy, in the lead-up to next month's state election.

The Greens have proposed a ban on new petrol car sales from 2030, a jobs and innovation fund to kick-start Victoria’s industry, solar-powered home chargers, cash incentives up to $15,000 for EVs and to scrap the Labor Government’s road user tax.

The policy comes from the Greens electric Vehicle Rapid Uptake plan, designed to cut transport emissions by incentivising the switch to EVs.

The Greens’ ambitious plan targets both private and public ownership scenarios, all with the aim of cutting emissions.

The Andrews Labor government currently holds power in Victoria and its road user charge, designed to offset the loss of fuel excise, has attracted plenty of criticism – including a damning open letter from Australia’s industry bodies.

The Greens have never held majority power in Government, with Victoria's Labor and Liberal parties more likely to win the coming state election. Support for the Greens has been growing significantly, however, with notable successes in the 2022 federal election.

Headway around electric vehicles in the upcoming Victorian election will be strictly state-related, with Australia's federal EV-policy still in development.

What are the policies?

To get individuals into electric vehicles quicker, the Greens want to abolish stamp duty and offer up to $15,000 for electric vehicle purchases under $77,565.

Removing Labor’s current road-user charge – at 2.6 cents/km driven – and free registration is also in the plan.

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The Greens also want to enact a ban on new petrol car sales by 2030, five years ahead of the EU’s 2035 stop-sale of all ICE vehicles.

Additionally, the Greens are keen to grow charging infrastructure. Specifically, with destination charges to be installed at train station car parks and a mandate for all new developments to incorporate EV chargers.

For the many who don’t own property, the Greens have proposed ‘Right to Charge’ laws, giving renters the right to install a home charging station without a landlord's say.

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Fleets and industry

The proposal also incentivises a return of Australian manufacturing, suggesting a target of 3000 electric buses made in Victoria, and incentives to get 5000 more EVs into government fleets.

The run-on effect of government fleet EVs should equate to more affordable second-hand electric vehicles on the market, too.

Finally, the Greens have proposed a fund to bolster manufacturing and development jobs in Victoria with an eye on software, charging, component manufacturing and battery recycling.