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Incentives for low and zero emissions vehicles

Discounted registration for zero and low emissions vehicles

The way vehicle registration is calculated will soon be changing. From 1 July 2024, vehicle registration fees will gradually transition from the current weight-based vehicle registration system to an emissions-based system for most light vehicles.

This means lower registration fees for lower-emissions vehicles, including:

  • zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs)
  • plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs)
  • hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs)
  • low-emission petrol and diesel vehicles.

It is estimated that most private passenger vehicles (96%) will have the same registration cost or lower under the new registration system, when introduced.

Incentives are currently available to encourage ACT residents to buy and register zero and low emissions vehicles.

Depending on:

  • the type of vehicle
  • when you bought or acquired the vehicle
  • where you garage the vehicle.

you may be eligible for 2 years of free registration, a registration discount and/or a motor vehicle duty exemption.

Incentives for zero-emissions vehicles

Owners of new or used zero emissions vehicles (ZEVs) in the ACT purchased or acquired between 24 May 2021 and 30 June 2024 are eligible to receive two years of free registration. To be eligible you must hold an ACT Driver Licence and garage the vehicle in the ACT.

Company vehicles are eligible if the business has physical premises in the ACT and the vehicle is garaged in the ACT.

Vehicles that:

  • are new, used or ‘grey imports’ (second-hand vehicles imported from overseas)
  • are passenger and goods carrying vehicles under 4.5 tonnes
  • have, or were converted to, an electric motor powered by electricity alone or by a hydrogen fuel cell
  • and were bought or acquired between 24 May 2021 and 30 June 2024

may be eligible for free registration.

Zero emission vehicles purchased before 24 May 2021 are not eligible. However, they will continue to receive a 20% reduction in registration fees.

Heavy vehicles and motorbikes are not eligible for free registration.

The waiver only applies to the registration fee component. You will still need to pay the full fees for the:

Following the free registration period:

  • owners will pay the lowest weight-based registration fee between 24 May 2023 and 30 June 2024
  • all motor vehicle owners will transition to emissions-based registration fees from 1 July 2024.

Check the dates

You need to have bought or acquired the vehicle on, or before 24 May 2021 and before 30 June 2024.

This means:

  • you can’t have registered the vehicle in your name before 24 May 2021
  • you need to have finalised the payment for the vehicle during this time (this includes a lease or finance arrangement)
  • if gifted or transferred into your ownership, you need to finalise the acquisition during this time
  • if converted from a different power source into electric or hydrogen, the vehicle needs to have been certified as registrable during this time.

Check the location

Your vehicle:

  • must be acquiring registration in the ACT
  • must be garaged at an address in the ACT.

If the vehicle is registered to a business or company, its physical premise must be in the ACT and you must garage it in the ACT.

How to get the concession

If you’re purchasing your vehicle through a dealership, they will tell you if your vehicle is eligible when they register it for you.

If registering for yourself, Access Canberra will tell you if the vehicle is eligible.

Read more about vehicle registration and transfer.

Incentives for plug-in electric hybrid and hybrid vehicles

Leading to an emissions-based registration system in 2024, discounts are available for some new or used plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).

Read more about concessions for registration fees.

Motor vehicle duty exemption

In the ACT, the following vehicles receive a motor vehicle duty (stamp duty) exemption:

  • new or used zero emissions vehicles (ZEVs)
  • new plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) and hybrid vehicles (HEVs) purchased or acquired from 1 August 2022
  • used HEVs and PHEVs purchased or acquired from 1 July 2023.

To be eligible you must hold an ACT Driver Licence and garage the vehicle in the ACT.

Company vehicles are eligible if the business has physical premises in the ACT and the vehicle is garaged in the ACT.

Eligibility for ZEVs and new PHEVs and HEVs

  • The vehicle must be acquired on or after 1 August 2022.
    • For example, a purchaser can provide a deposit for a vehicle if they make the final payment on or after 1 August 2022.
    • For vehicles acquired through other means such as a gift or transfer of name, this must be completed on or after 1 August 2022.
  • The vehicle must have a tail pipe emission of no more than 130 g/km and must be under 4.5t in weight.
  • A vehicle that has been converted from a different power source into one of the above vehicle configurations and certified as registrable on or after 1 August 2022.
  • Second-hand zero emissions vehicles imported into Australia (known as grey imports) that meet the above requirements are also included in the program.
  • Applicants must hold an ACT Driver Licence and the vehicle must not have been registered in their name prior to 1 August 2022.

Eligibility for used PHEVs and HEVs

  • The vehicle must be acquired on or after 1 July 2023.
    • For example, a purchaser can provide a deposit for a vehicle if they make the final payment on or after 1 July 2023.
    • For vehicles acquired through other means such as a gift or transfer of name, this must be completed on or after 1 July 2023.
  • The vehicle must have a tail pipe emission of no more than 130 g/km and must be under 4.5t in weight.
  • Second-hand zero emissions vehicles imported into Australia (known as grey imports) that meet the above requirements are also included in the program.
  • Applicants must hold an ACT Driver Licence and the vehicle must not have been registered in their name prior to 1 July 2023.

A C02 calculator is available on the Green Vehicle Guide website to assist you with determining the tail pipe emissions of your vehicle.

How to get the exemption

If you’re purchasing your vehicle through a dealership, they will tell you if your vehicle is eligible when they register it for you.

If registering for yourself, Access Canberra will tell you if the vehicle is eligible.

Read more about vehicle registration and transfer.

Sustainable Household Scheme

Interest-free loans of up to $15,000 will be available to eligible homeowners to invest in a range of sustainable products for their homes, including new and used zero emissions vehicles and household zero emissions vehicle charging infrastructure. Visit the Everyday Climate Choices website to learn more.

Find out more about the future of ZEVs on the Everyday Climate Choices website.

Find out more about how the ACT Government is planning to reduce transport emissions.