FBT & the electric vehicles exemption: the state of play

As at 1 December 2022 legislation implementing the Government’s proposal to provide an FBT exemption for certain electric vehicles is still progressing through Parliament.

We covered the intended scope of the FBT exemption in our earlier article.

As we understand matters, to ensure passage of the legislation, the proposed exemption as it relates to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles will be confirmed as ending on 1 April 2025 subject to transitional relief for certain benefits provided prior to/post 1 April 2025.

For the purposes of the proposed exemption a ‘plug-in hybrid electric vehicle’ is a motor vehicle that:

a) uses an electric motor for propulsion; and

b) takes and stores energy from an external source of electricity; and

c) is fitted with an internal combustion engine for either or both of the following:

(i) the generation of electrical energy;

(ii) propulsion of the vehicle.

It should be remembered that the Government had already committed to reviewing the policy/FBT exemption after 3 years. We understand the requirement for the review will also be included in final legislation.

Once the legislation is passed we will confirm the exact scope of the FBT exemption in our TaxEd Update newsletter.


We will be covering this topics and many others at the 2023 FBT Roadshow. Come join us and find out all you need to know about FBT obligations and how to be prepared!

Join us for the 2023 FBT Roadshow, covering key issues for Governments and NFPs | Brisbane, Darwin, Melbourne & Online | 14 – 23 March 2023 | Click here for more information and to register >

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