Always appreciate the insights of Ozbargainers..so here goes.
I'm an 8 year old PHEV owner who uses around 8L/100km petrol. I bought the car a couple of years ago with the idea of reducing my carbon footprint in terms of total fuel used, not wasting energy when braking and having access to electric power when camping.
The Vic government passed a bill based on a document saying that:
A PHEV is "predominantly electric powered" .It isn't. 600km comes from petrol, 20-30km electric. The predominant power is the petrol engine. In my regional setting, 100% of my energy comes from petrol.
The document implies that fuel excise is used by state governments to maintain roads. It isnt. It's a federal tax for general revenue.
The document implies PHEV users aren't paying for road repairs At 8L per hundred, I'd assume my fuel usage is around average, maybe just above. I'm paying just as much as everyone else. But again, fuel usage doesn't = road charges anyway. But it is implied.
So currently no one pays to use roads. But the tax starting July 1 charges EV / PHEV users only. Does this imply only EVs damage the road? The road charge should be for all vehicles, otherwise it is discriminatory.
There is a perception created that PHEVs are luxury vehicles. My car is 8 years old and I paid $16k for it a couple of years ago! It's done almost 200 000km.
The document implies the EV tax will be used to install charging infrastructure. My PHEV uses an old type 1 plug. These are superseded. There will be no type 1 chargers installed (why am I paying again)?
These new bills are normally rolled out retrospectively. I had no way of knowing this would be a thing when I bought it years ago. New buyers can beware, but to enforce on existing owners who have paid there stamp duty? This will also impact resale values.
The document implies that electric energy is free. It isn't. Even if using solar, grid connection charges are payable and those charging their car forgo feed in tarrifs. There is always a cost. Charging from the grid is currently more expensive than Petrol. So petrol power is the obvious choice unless you want to do your part for the environment. Imagine having an interest in the environment Victorian government?
Lastly, there must be something in the constitution that says a state government can't
a) implement a federal charge. Ie they charge for KMs regardless of the state travelled..ie. people in Mildura or Albury etc may travel predominantly on interstate roads, but Vic government collects on these roads. Surely a high court challenge for this?
b) triple dip (excise+GST+road charge).
I see it being the same as charging a tax on people who use RC airconditioners instead of resistive element heating or gas (as they aren't paying a fair share of electricity..madness).
In summary, the passing of a state bill with technical falsified statements (and blatant lies) that has federal coverage can't be legally binding ?
Love to know peoples thoughts. So sad we are the only government in the world that discourages environmental benefit (be it gas, coal or petrol).
You are going it wrong. There is no point owning a PHEV if you don’t do the P bit.
If you want power for camping, get a solar panel and a second battery.
Do agree the tax is dumb.