New research from The Australia Institute shows that South Australians would be less likely to make the switch to an electric vehicle if the government proceeds with its plan to copy the Victorian Labor Government’s EV Tax.

The Australia Institute’s survey of a representative sample of 599 South Australians also found there is strong support, across the political spectrum, for incentives to reduce the upfront cost of EVs.

Key findings:

• Three in four South Australians (73%) agree that EVs reduce pollution and are good for the climate, health and the environment.
• Four in 10 South Australians (42%) are considering making their next car an EV.
  • One in 10 (11%) say their next car definitely will be an EV while three in 10 (31%) say their next car may be an EV.
• Seven in 10 South Australians (72%) support the government reducing the cost of EVs through subsidies and/or stamp duty waivers.
  • Support for subsidies and/or waivers is high among Liberal (75%), Labor (75%) and Greens (85%) voters.
• Seven in 10 South Australians (69%) agree that the government introducing a Road User Charge would make them less likely to purchase an EV.

“Many South Australians are considering making the switch to an electric car, but the state government’s proposed EV Tax will pull the handbrake on that enthusiasm,” said Noah Schultz-Byard, SA Director at The Australia Institute.

“Our research shows that the vast majority of South Australians want more EVs on the road, not less, because they are considered to be good for the climate, health and the environment.

“Incentives to reduce the upfront cost of an EV, such as subsidies or stamp duty waivers, are very popular among South Australian voters across the political spectrum.

“South Australia is leading the nation with its adoption of wind and solar power, but those efforts will be badly undermined if the government moves ahead with its EV Tax. Tailpipe emissions in South Australia remain high and, in light of the IPCC’s latest report on the state of the climate, we should be doing all we can to switch to zero-emission vehicles.

“The South Australian Government should do a U-Turn on its plans to introduce a Victorian style EV Tax.”