Zero emission vehicles Guide
Zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) deliver a wide range of environmental, economic and community benefits.
They form a crucial part of the Queensland Government's ZEV Strategy 2022–2032, which aims to accelerate the shift to cleaner, greener transport. This strategy ensures our energy network can support the transition to ZEVs.
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Benefits of ZEVs
Compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) save on ongoing refuelling, maintenance, and registration costs.
All ZEVs tested in the past 5 years received a 5-star safety rating from the Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).
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Types of ZEVs
There are 2 main types of zero emission vehicles (ZEVs):
Battery electric vehicles (BEV)
- Powered by an electric motor only.
- Produce no direct tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions.
- Fully zero emission when powered by renewable energy.
- Energy stored in a battery.
- Typical driving range of 300–550km.
- Charged via external chargers and regenerative braking (kinetic energy captured during braking).
Queensland Electric Super Highway provides on-the-go charging options.
Hydrogen vehicles or fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs)
- Emerging market technology.
- Produce no direct tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions.
- Refuel at hydrogen refuelling stations—similar to regular service stations.
- Fully zero emission when powered by renewable hydrogen.
- Typical driving range of 300–600km.
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Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
While not considered zero emission vehicles (ZEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) can be a suitable alternative to internal combustion engine vehicles, if driven mostly on battery power.
PHEVs features:
- Powered partly by an electric motor—charged by a wall socket or specialised charger.
- Use an internal combustion engine (petrol, diesel, or biofuel), which generates electricity to charge the battery or extend driving range for longer trips.
- Have a lower electric-only driving range than battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
- Overall driving range of 500–700km, with a full-electric driving range of around 60km.
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Costs and savings
Upfront costs
Zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) have a higher purchase price than conventional internal combustion engine vehicles due to their technology. As new models enter the market, prices will continue to fall. ZEVs use fewer moving parts and require less frequent servicing. The Electric Vehicle Council of Australia advises the operating costs of ZEVs are 70% cheaper per km, when considering maintenance and fuel costs, than conventional internal combustion engine vehicles.
Battery costs
The battery pack accounts for roughly one-quarter of the total ZEV cost. Battery prices are expected to decrease and this is likely to lower ZEV purchase prices in the future.
Vehicle registration duty savings in Queensland
Queensland offers registration duty savings for battery electric vehicles (BEVs)—hybrid and electric.
- BEVs attract the lowest vehicle registration duty costs—get an estimate.
- BEVs also attract the lowest registration levels—get a registration quote.
For a comprehensive overview of long-term costs and savings, refer to the Electric Vehicle Council.
Comparison of costs and emissions
The Vehicle Emissions Star Ratings (VESR) tool can help you make an informed decision on the running costs of your current or new car.
VESR is a star rating developed by NSW Government that has been applied to light passenger vehicles sold on the Australian market since 2004.
The VESR website allows you to check the star rating of a vehicle, compare the environmental impact of different models and calculate your estimated running costs.
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Environmental impact
In 2022, the transport sector contributed to approximately 17% of Queensland's greenhouse gas emissions, making it the second highest emitting sector. Zero emission vehicle (ZEVs) can significantly lower emissions:
- Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in Australia emit on average 29–41% less emissions over their lifespan, compared to fossil-fuel vehicles.
- Zero emission vehicle (ZEVs) produce zero exhaust emissions, emit no harmful emissions, and do not pollute the air or contribute to respiratory health issues.
Electric vehicle technology can reduce air and noise pollution, improving public and environmental health.
The energy used to charge ZEVs from the grid will become greener and more sustainable as Queensland continues with its 50% renewable energy target by 2030, 70% by 2032 and 80% by 2035.
While Australia is highly reliant on imported liquid fossil fuels for most of its transport needs, Queensland is completely self-reliant in terms of electricity production. By using electricity, ZEVs will help reduce the Queensland economy’s dependency on fossil fuels, while supporting the use of renewable and locally produced energy.
Many Queenslanders already charge their ZEVs using a home solar system, making them carbon neutral and free or low-cost.
A fully solar-charged ZEV can significantly reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions compared to a traditional internal combustion engine vehicle.
Most energy for the Queensland Electric Super Highway, fast charging infrastructure is sourced from green energy and offsets.
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Batteries
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are extremely efficient, converting 77% of their stored battery energy into power at the wheels, compared to the 12–30% efficiency of internal combustion engines.
Zero emission vehicle (ZEV) batteries are designed to meet the driving needs of most Australians, with typical ranges of 480–550km.
The average Australian drives 33km per day and will not need to charge their vehicle battery every day. ZEVs also have the benefit of charging with a power point at home, or anywhere with access to electricity.
Vehicle manufacturers and private companies are continuing to research battery recycling and re-purposing. This has been particularly successful overseas, especially in supporting energy grid management.
The Queensland Government is also developing a battery strategy, to support local manufacturing and create new jobs.
Zero emission vehicles, 18 Nov 2024, [https://oss-uat.clients.squiz.net/transport/projects/electricvehicles/zero-emission-vehicles]
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