Stirring debates arise over the proposal for road user fees specifically for electric vehicles
In a bid to address the funding shortage for road infrastructure as Australia's population and economy grow, the federal government is exploring the introduction of road user charges (RUC) for electric vehicles (EVs). This move aims to replace the lost revenue from fuel excise, currently about 51.8 cents per litre on petrol and diesel, which EVs do not pay.
At a meeting in early September 2025, the government is expected to discuss detailed models for the RUC, such as a per-kilometer charge. Some states, like New South Wales, have already backed a model charging about 2.874 cents per km for battery EVs, with slightly less for plug-in hybrids, indexed to inflation.
The debate over EV road user charges revolves around fairness, environmental goals, and the timing of implementation. On one hand, proponents argue that RUCs ensure EV users contribute their fair share to road maintenance costs, replace declining fuel excise revenue, and promote economic efficiency by taxing road use itself rather than just fuel consumption.
On the other hand, critics claim that RUCs could discourage EV uptake, increase policy complexity, and create unfairness in transition. Some suggest applying charges only after EVs constitute a significant market share to avoid penalizing early movers who invested in cleaner technology.
New Zealand has already implemented a road user charge scheme for EVs based on vehicle weight and distance driven. Other countries are also considering or applying mileage-based fees for EVs as fuel taxes decline, although approaches vary widely.
The Australian Electric Vehicle Association urges any road user charge to be universal and not incentivize internal combustion vehicles over EVs. The treasurer, Jim Chalmers, is working with the states and territories "on the future of road-user charging" for EVs, with the aim of funding road maintenance as more people switch to electric vehicles.
The introduction of road user charges should not slow down Australia's shift to clean transport, according to the Electric Vehicle Council chief executive. Meanwhile, Coalition senator Jane Hume suggests a broader road tax could achieve more in fixing ailing roads. Infrastructure Partnerships Australia chief executive Adrian Dwyer proposes using the revenue generated from a road user charge to roll out charging infrastructure.
Notably, last week, the New Zealand government announced that petrol cars would also have to pay the road user charge, while its fuel excise would be scrapped. The debate over EV road user charges in Australia is ongoing, with the government expected to make a decision soon.
References:
- ABC News
- The Sydney Morning Herald
- The Conversation
- The Economic Society of Australia
- The Guardian
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