ZEV road user charge confirmed

28 May 2021

The State Government's contentious Zero and Low Emission Vehicle Distance-based Charge Bill 2021 passed the Victorian Legislative Council this week. 

The Bill passed the Council without amendment and the road user charge will come into play on 1 July 2021.

In lead up to the Bill review, the 2.5 cents per kilometre for Zero Emissions Vehicles (ZEV) – which includes hydrogen – (two cents for plug-in hybrids) had been criticised by some industry groups. However, the Chamber contends that it is the fairest way to improve and maintain the state’s road network. Simply, if a motorist uses the roads, they should help pay for the build and upkeep.

“Let’s get one thing straight – the Victorian Government’s recent announcement that it will tax electric vehicles with a road user charge is not about the environment or being a gas guzzler or a greenie. It’s about roads. That’s all,” said VACC CEO, Geoff Gwilym.