Are you ready to switch to an Electric Vehicle?
Switching to an EV can save you money and will help to reduce WA's carbon emissions - especially as the cost of petrol continues to rise and the urgency to address climate change grows. Plus most EV owners will say they're more fun to drive (just ask many a Tesla owner)!
Powering a range of benefits to your hip pocket, the environment and your health
The WA Government ‘Clean Car Fund’
In a push to assist with your transition to EVs, the State Government announced a ‘Clean Energy Car Fund’.
The electric vehicle support package includes up to 10,000 rebates of $3,500 for buyers spending less than $70,000 on a new EV or hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle (FECV)
Compare the cost of your car with an EV
Try the Electric Vehicle Council's cost calculator to get a better understanding of the cost to own and maintain an EV compared to your current car - based on where you live and how often your drive.
We all have a role to play in WA achieving net zero emissions by 2050
The electrification of cars is critical to achieving this. Replacing 10,000 petrol vehicles with 100% electric or hydrogen vehicles is expected to reduce carbon emissions by at least 7,000 tonnes each year.
This is why the State Government has set a target to achieve a minimum 25% EV target for new light and small passenger, and small and medium SUV government fleet vehicles by 2025/26.
Transport emissions account for 19% of Australia’s emissions, and that number is set to grow *
EV's are proven to produce lower lifetime carbon emissions, especially if you are charging using renewables.
EV's don't produce tailpipe emissions
That matters when vehicle pollution currently causes 50% more deaths than car crashes. They're also much quieter, so you can tick off reduced noise pollution too.
Transport that's better for the planet
EV's release less carbon emissions when running, meaning less air pollution for you to breathe in.
Research from the Electric Vehicle Council also tells us that even if an EV is charged by coal-fired electricity, it still generates lower emissions than its petrol-powered alternatives. However, as we work to create more renewable energy on our grids, EVs only become more sustainable.
Currently, there is an upfront cost difference when comparing similar models of EVs and petrol-powered cars that sees the electric model costing more.
There is a likelihood that this will change as we see production scaled to meet customer demand. Sales in Australia tripled in 2021 to 20,665 electric vehicles sold, up from 6,900 in 2020. This increase represents a 2% market share of all sales, compared to 0.78% in 2020* (Electric Vehicle Council)
This demand has also seen vehicle availability shortages, so there is a chance that even if you are ready to purchase, you may face varying wait times.
Frequently asked questions
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How do I compare an internal combustion engine vehicle to an electric vehicle?
The considerations are the same as when you are comparing models of petrol cars. When comparing ensure you choose like-for-like models for comparison. Then, consider the total cost of ownership, from upfront purchase to ongoing cost of running your vehicle including refueling and servicing.
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Will Horizon Power be offering an alternative tariff to support EV users?
As part of our electric vehicle pilot, Horizon Power is considering the impact that EVs will have on our microgrids, by collecting and analysing data from the charging stations at our Broome and Esperance depot and at the homes of our trial participants.
As part of the pilot, making sure that the products and services that Horizon Power offers meet the changing needs of the community around EVs is something we’ll be looking at. So... watch this space!
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Can I be subsidised for purchasing an EV in Western Australia?
The Western Australian State Government announced, in May of 2022, an electric vehicle support package including up to 10,000 rebates of $3500 for buyers spending less than $70,000 on a new EV or hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle (FECV)
This rebate forms part of their ‘Clean Energy Car Fund’, designed to assist Western Australians to transition away from petrol-fuelled vehicles.
Find out more about the rebate here.
Horizon Power acknowledges the Traditional Custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain images, names or voices of deceased people.