Owning a Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV)
Owning an electric vehicle (EV) or another type of zero-emissions vehicle provides a variety of benefits:
- Total running costs are often far less than comparable internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
- Charge in your own home or convenient public charging locations.
- Greatly reduces your carbon footprint.
- Often a quieter and smoother driving experience.
- Most EVs require servicing less often than comparable ICE vehicles.
Total cost of ownership
While the cost of an EV may seem higher upfront, the total cost of ownership over a 5-year period may be more, or as equally, affordable than a similar ICE vehicle. When purchasing your next car, consider making your next choice electric.
See for yourself
The tools calculations reflect taxes and incentives unique to the ACT.
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Learn how easy it is to own a ZEV and have your questions answered.In the ACT you’ll also receive a stamp duty exemption for new ZEVs and two years of free registration for new or used ZEVs. 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. Visit the Motor vehicle registration and renewal page to read about these changes.
FAQs
What is a ZEV?
A Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) is a battery electric vehicle (EV) or a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). A ZEV isn’t necessarily a passenger car – it could also be a motorcycle or a goods vehicle.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are the most common types of zero emissions vehicles. These run entirely on a rechargeable battery.
Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) also use an electric motor to run but use hydrogen as a fuel base instead of electricity.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) can do short trips on an electric-only motor. However, they contain a traditional combustion engine to use when the battery is depleted. As a PHEV is partially powered by fossil fuels, PHEVs may not be eligible for some ACT Government ZEV incentives available for EVs and FCEVs.
How is the total cost of ownership determined?
Determining the TCO for a particular vehicle involves understanding the cash flow impact of ownership of a vehicle over a defined timeframe. There are several inputs into a TCO calculation as outlined in the following table.
| Input | Description |
|---|---|
| Purchase price | The ultimate cash price after all dealer rebates and dealer delivery charges |
| Duties and taxes | Stamp duty, Luxury car tax, registration charges, CTP insurance |
| Subsidies | Any government subsidies provided |
| Running costs | Maintenance costs, Third Party insurance, fuel |
| Pre-sale make-good costs | Costs of vehicle improvements prior to resale |
| Residual value | The depreciated price for which a vehicle is sold at the end of ownership period |
| Finance costs | Any operating or finance lease |
| Holding period | The time between the purchase and sale of a vehicle |
| Accident management fee | Cost of roadside assistance and management of repairs process |
Can I charge my EV if I live in an apartment or other multi-unit dwelling?
The ACT Government is working to support making buildings EV ready. You can also use the growing network of public chargers across the ACT.
