NSW hints at policy incentives to drive electric vehicle uptake

New South Wales energy minister Matt Kean has hinted at plans to incentivise the uptake of electric vehicles – including possible tax deductions – as part of the state’s commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

In an interview with the Murdoch-owned Daily Telegraph, in which Kean re-stated his commitment to keep New South Wales’ coal fired power plants burning, the minister was also reported to have committed to backing electric vehicles.

According to the report, the government would do this via a “secret” but also “embryonic” emissions reduction plan, which might include investing in infrastructure like charging stations, and incentivising consumer uptake through stamp duty discounts.

The Daily Tele also reports – presumably to prevent the onset of blind panic in conservative media and Coalition ranks, or so as not to ruin anyone’s weekend – that Kean stressed he would never “force people to buy electric vehicles,” but did want to consider actively encouraging uptake and investing in supporting technology.

This approach has, after all, done no harm in the neighbouring ACT, where the government completely waives stamp duty and offers a 20 per cent discount on registration for zero emissions vehicles.

The Driven has contacted the NSW energy minister’s office for more detail on its plans to incentivise EV uptake, and will update the story when any new information comes to hand.