Australia introduces kilometer tax for electric cars

The objective of local governments is to compensate for the shortfall linked to the abandonment of fossil fuel.

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Two states in Australia recently introduced a tax payable by owners of electric cars and plug-in hybrid models.

The amount to be paid is 1.5 and 1.2 euro cents per kilometer, respectively, depending on the type of engine.

The device has been set up in the states of South Australia and Victoria, indicates

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The objective of local governments is to compensate for the shortfall generated in public finances by the development of vehicles that do not run on fossil fuel.

Petroleum products are subject by the authorities to a tax, the total amount of which declines.

As in many countries, a significant part of the Australian economy relies on this financial contribution from motorists.

A gain of 20 million euros

The other states of the country could in turn adopt the kilometer tax reserved for non-polluting models.

However, at present, these categories of cars are not widespread enough for the tax to bring sufficient revenue into public coffers.

The driver of an electric car traveling 15,000 kilometers per year, for example, will have to pay 231 € for the period.

In the two territories affected by the measure, the latter should thus bring in 20 million euros per fiscal year.

By way of comparison, the French state collects more than 35 billion euros each year in the tax on motor fuel, representing 40% of the sale price.

Countries in a similar situation also have other solutions at their disposal to limit future losses.

Several nations are studying in particular the possibility of taxing the electricity used to recharge electric or hybrid motors.

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• Economy