Australia’s federal opposition Labor Party announced on March 31 an election pledge that imported electric vehicles (EVs) will no longer be subject to import tariffs and the fringe benefits tax (FBT). During Labor’s national conference, the opposition promised that, if elected, non-luxury EVs—that is, those costing less than around $77,565 (US$59,178)—will be exempt from a 5 percent import tax, as well as a 47 percent FBT for electric cars provided by work for private use. More specifically, a $50,000 car could save around $2,000 without the tariff, and be an additional $9,000 cheaper if supplied by an employer. Federal Independent MP Craig Kelly criticised the decision in a Facebook post for failing to take into consideration the underlying economic impact the tax cut would have. “Any ‘tax break’ for electric cars merely increases the tax burden elsewhere in the economy,” Kelly said. Kelly pointed out that the decision would disadvantage workers …
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