With large distances to contend with and limited alternatives available, owning a car is often a necessity in Australia. However, with concerns growing about climate change, many Aussies are looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact – and that includes the vehicles they drive. This guide delves into the world of green cars in Australia, exploring the different types of eco-friendly vehicles and what to consider when making your choice.

Defining “green”: a spectrum of eco-friendly cars

There's no single definition of a “green car”, but it generally refers to a vehicle with a lower environmental impact compared to a traditional petrol-powered car. Here's a breakdown of the main options available in Australia:

• Electric vehicles (EVs): these are cars that produce zero tailpipe emissions as they run entirely on electricity. They offer a silent and smooth driving experience, and with advancements in battery technology, their range is constantly improving.
• Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles: these vehicles are powered by electricity generated from a chemical reaction between hydrogen fuel and oxygen in the car's fuel cell. They produce zero tailpipe emissions, similar to EVs, but offer the advantage of faster refuelling times compared to battery charging. However, hydrogen refuelling infrastructure is still limited in Australia.
• Hybrid vehicles: hybrids combine an electric motor with a petrol or diesel engine. They typically achieve better fuel efficiency than traditional cars, especially in stop-and-go city traffic. The electric motor assists the fuel engine during acceleration and can power the car for short distances at low speeds.
• Fuel-efficient petrol cars: while not emission-free, significant advancements have been made in engine technology. Some petrol cars now achieve impressive fuel economy figures, with a much lower environmental impact compared to older models.

Matching your green car to your needs

Choosing the right green car depends on your specific needs and driving habits. Here are some key questions to consider:

• Driving range: how far do you typically drive on a daily basis? EVs are excellent for shorter commutes, while hybrids offer a good balance between electric and fuel power for longer journeys. If your driving habits are unpredictable, a fuel-efficient petrol car might be a more practical option.
• Charging infrastructure: if considering an EV or hybrid, assess your access to charging stations at home and work. Having a dedicated charging point at home is ideal for convenient overnight charging. Public charging infrastructure is expanding rapidly, but it's still important to factor in availability in your area.
• Upfront cost vs. long-term savings: generally, EVs have a higher upfront cost compared to fuel cars. However, lower running costs can help offset this over time. Hybrids typically fall somewhere in between EVs and petrol cars in terms of purchase price.
• Environmental impact: while all the options here offer reduced environmental impact compared to standard fossil fuel cars, EVs boast zero tailpipe emissions, making them the greenest choice. Hybrids still produce emissions when running on fuel, but they offer significant improvements over traditional models.

Researching your green options

Here are some valuable resources to help you navigate the world of eco-friendly vehicles in Australia:

• The Green Vehicle Guide: the Green Vehicle Guide is an Australian Government resource that provides drivers with tools to compare car models. You can search for vehicles based on various criteria, including fuel consumption, emissions, running costs and safety ratings.
• Car manufacturer websites: each car manufacturer website showcases its electric and hybrid car models, highlighting features and specifications. Browsing these websites can give you a better understanding of the range of green vehicles available and narrow down your options based on your budget and desired features.
• Car review websites: independent car review websites provide in-depth reviews and comparisons of electric and hybrid cars. Look for reviews that specifically consider the environmental aspects of different vehicles, focusing on factors like real-world fuel efficiency and battery range for EVs.
• Car dealerships: many dealerships now have dedicated sections for their electric and hybrid models. Visiting a dealership allows you to get a closer look at the vehicles, ask questions from knowledgeable sales staff and potentially schedule a test drive.

Making the most of government incentives

Depending on where you live in Australia, you may be able to benefit from incentives for EVs and zero-emission vehicles.

• Queensland offers the largest EV subsidy in Australia, with rebates of up to $6,000 on eligible cars purchased on or after 21 April 2023.
• The Northern Territory offers EV and plug-in hybrid owners free registration and a stamp duty concession of up to $1,500 from 1 July 2022 until 30 June 2027.
• Western Australia’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Rebate Scheme offers a rebate of $3,500 for eligible EVs or hydrogen vehicles on the first 10,000 vehicles registered in the state or up to 10 May 2025, whichever is first.
• The ACT offers incentives for zero-emissions vehicles, including no stamp duty, free registration and tax exemptions.
• Tasmania’s Electric Vehicle Rebate program provides $2,000 for new EVs and second-hand (but ‘new to Tasmania’) EVs, with a total of 375 rebates available.
• South Australia’s subsidy scheme, which offered a $3,000 subsidy on new battery and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, closed on 1 January 2024. However, a three-year registration exemption for eligible vehicles remains in place.
• New South Wales’s Electric Vehicle Strategy, which allowed NSW residents to apply for a $3,000 rebate for eligible EV purchases, ended on 1 January 2024.
• Victoria’s Zero Emissions Vehicle Subsidy Program was the first in Australia, but is now closed to new applicants.