With EV sales smashing records at 9.3% of new cars in Australia, is the looming road-user charge a hidden speed bump? Don't let it slow you down—discover how this policy shift impacts your wallet and why portable chargers are the smart detour.
Australia's EV revolution is accelerating, but so are the conversations around fair road funding. As fuel excise revenue dips with rising EV adoption, the government is eyeing a national road-user charge for electric vehicles starting as early as 2028. Based on NSW models, this could add $300-400 annually depending on your mileage, aiming to ensure "wealthy EV drivers pay their fair share." It's projected alongside $23 billion in EV tax breaks by 2036, balancing incentives with sustainability.
Why Now? The EV Boom Driving Change
EV sales hit nearly 30,000 in Q2 2025, up 63% year-on-year, fueled by models like the Zeekr 7X (1,000 orders in a week) and VW's new lineup. But with EVs exempt from fuel taxes, roads need funding. Critics call it a "penalty" slowing adoption, while supporters see equity—especially as infrastructure lags, like recent losses in WA affecting 27,000 drivers.
Impacts on Aussie Drivers
- Cost Breakdown: Expect per-km fees (e.g., 2.5-3.5 cents/km), lower than fuel excise but additive for high-mileage users.
- Regional Challenges: Rural areas with sparse chargers could feel it most, amplifying range anxiety where real-world tests show up to 23% shortfalls.
- Positives: It could fund better infrastructure, and home batteries (11,000 installs in July) pair well for cheap charging.
Portable Chargers: Your Charge-Anywhere Solution
Beat the system by reducing reliance on public stations. Portables offer flexibility for road trips or grid gaps, crushing range worries and potentially offsetting new fees through efficient home/top-up use.
Product Suggestions:
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INCHARGEx FlexSwap Gen 2 Swappable Tails: Pairs with different tails to fit multiple socket - enhance flexibility and go further.
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INCHARGEx 7kW Gen 2 Portable Charger: Fast 7kW charging anywhere with a standard 32A 5pin outlet - ideal for regional Aussies, slashing downtime and costs by 30% vs. public chargers.
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INCHARGEx 15A 3kW Portable Charger: Lightweight, 3kW unit with emergency boost - perfect for urban commutes, extending range on the go. Plug in at caravan parks and camp sites.
