Quick Answer

Victoria’s Solar Victoria program has offered rebates of up to $1,400 for home EV charger installation, though availability changes with each funding round. A 7kW home charger costs $800–$2,000 installed before any rebate. Federal and state rebates, combined with stamp duty exemptions and FBT exemptions for novated leases, can significantly reduce the total cost of switching to an EV in Melbourne.

Current EV Rebates and Incentives in Victoria (2025–2026)

Australia has a patchwork of state and federal incentives for EVs and home charging. Victoria has been one of the more active states, with Solar Victoria running multiple funding rounds for EV charger rebates alongside the state’s broader EV adoption push.

Victorian EV and Charging Incentives

Incentive Value Who Qualifies Status
Solar Victoria EV Charger Rebate Up to $1,400 VIC homeowners, income-tested for some rounds Check solar.vic.gov.au — opens in rounds
EV Stamp Duty Exemption (VIC) $2,000–$5,000+ New EVs under $100,000 purchased in VIC Active — applies at purchase
Solar Panel Rebate (Solar Homes) Up to $1,400 VIC homeowners meeting income/property criteria Active — pair with EV charging for best outcome
Federal FBT Exemption (Novated Lease) Thousands per year Employees with salary packaging Active — EVs under $89,332 (2024–25 threshold)
Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Variable (via retailer) VIC residents upgrading appliances/insulation Active — accessed via accredited providers
Pro tip: The federal FBT exemption for EVs on novated leases is one of the largest financial incentives available — for an employee on $100,000 salary, it can reduce the effective cost of an EV by $4,000–$8,000 per year. Talk to your payroll or a novated lease specialist before buying outright.

How to Apply for the Solar Victoria EV Charger Rebate

Solar Victoria manages the home EV charger rebate program. The process has been streamlined compared to earlier rounds but still requires some preparation.

  1. Check current round status at solar.vic.gov.au — rebates open in batches and close when funding is exhausted.
  2. Confirm eligibility: You must own your home (or have landlord permission), be a VIC resident, and meet any income testing that applies to the specific round.
  3. Choose an accredited installer from the Solar Victoria approved list — you cannot claim if you use an unlisted installer.
  4. Get your installation completed by an accredited installer. The charger must meet specifications (typically 7kW minimum).
  5. Submit your rebate claim through the Solar Victoria portal, including installer invoice and installation confirmation.
  6. Receive payment — rebates are typically paid within 4–6 weeks of an approved application.

Federal EV Incentives

FBT Exemption for Novated Leases

The Australian Government’s FBT exemption for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) under a novated lease arrangement is one of the strongest EV incentives available. For an employee salary packaging an EV, the FBT exemption means the full lease cost (including running costs) comes from pre-tax salary. For someone on $100,000 per year, this is equivalent to a 30%+ discount on the vehicle’s running cost.

Pro tip: PHEVs were included in the FBT exemption but the government has indicated this may be reviewed. Pure battery EVs (BEVs) are the safest choice if you’re planning a multi-year novated lease and want certainty on the tax treatment.

Home Charging Infrastructure (ARENA / Other Grants)

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) have funded various community and business EV charging programs, though most direct household grants ended by 2025. Check arena.gov.au for any current household-relevant programs.

What the Charger Installation Actually Costs (Before Rebates)

Charger Type Unit Cost Install Cost Total Before Rebate After $1,400 Rebate
Basic 7kW wall charger $350–$500 $300–$600 $650–$1,100 $0–$0 (fully covered)
Smart 7kW charger (Wallbox/JetCharge) $600–$900 $400–$700 $1,000–$1,600 $0–$200 out-of-pocket
With switchboard upgrade $600–$900 $900–$2,200 $1,500–$3,100 $100–$1,700 out-of-pocket

Tips and Gotchas

  1. Check rebate round status weekly if you’re planning an EV purchase — rounds can open and close within days, and demand is high in Melbourne metro areas.
  2. Only use Solar Victoria accredited installers. Installing with an unlisted tradesperson means you cannot claim the rebate, even if the work is excellent quality.
  3. Stamp duty exemption is applied automatically at vehicle registration — you don’t need to apply separately for this one.
  4. Novated lease FBT exemption requires an employer with salary packaging. If your employer doesn’t offer this, organisations like Maxxia, Smart Salary, and RemServ can set it up — worth asking HR before purchasing an EV outright.
  5. Don’t claim solar rebate and EV charger rebate at the same time if both are from Solar Homes — some rounds restrict dual claims. Read the current round’s terms carefully.
  6. Keep all receipts and installer paperwork. Rebate audits do happen. You need the installer’s licence number, invoice, and installation certificate.
  7. VIC EV rebate program ended but stamp duty exemption remains. The $3,000 direct EV purchase rebate that existed 2021–2023 was wound up, but the stamp duty exemption (worth $2,000–$5,000+) for EVs under $100k is still active as of 2026.
  8. Check postcode eligibility for some Solar Victoria rounds — certain rebate rounds prioritise regional or lower-income postcodes, including parts of Frankston, Dandenong and Pakenham.
Safety warning: Beware of installers who offer to claim the rebate on your behalf and reduce the invoice price — this is rebate fraud and you are jointly liable. Always claim through the official Solar Victoria portal using legitimate invoices.

Local Melbourne Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a government rebate for home EV charger installation in Victoria?

Yes — Solar Victoria has run multiple rounds of home EV charger rebates worth up to $1,400. Funding is released in batches and can close quickly. Always check solar.vic.gov.au for the current status before purchasing your charger or booking an installer.

Do I need to use a specific installer to get the rebate?

Yes — you must use a Solar Victoria accredited installer to be eligible for the rebate. Using an unlisted electrician, even a fully licensed and skilled one, disqualifies your claim. The Solar Victoria website maintains a current list of approved installers searchable by postcode.

Is stamp duty still waived for EVs in Victoria?

As of 2026, Victoria still exempts battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) under $100,000 from stamp duty at registration. This is applied automatically — you don’t need to apply separately. The saving is typically $2,000–$5,000+ depending on the vehicle price.

Can I get an EV rebate if I’m renting?

Most Solar Victoria home charger rebates are for homeowners. Some rounds allow renters to apply with written landlord permission, but this varies by funding round. EV stamp duty exemptions apply at the point of vehicle purchase regardless of whether you own or rent. The FBT novated lease exemption applies to employees regardless of housing situation.

How does the FBT exemption for EVs work?

If your employer offers salary packaging, you can novate an eligible EV lease. Because EVs are FBT-exempt, the full lease cost (vehicle repayments plus running costs including home charging) can be paid from pre-tax salary. For a full-time employee on $100,000, this effectively reduces the after-tax cost of the EV by 30–40% compared to buying outright after tax.