This Act amends the Motor Vehicles Act 1959 to introduce a road user charge for zero and low emission vehicles. Currently, there are very few zero and low emission vehicles in South Australia, but it is expected that the uptake will increase as the availability of models increases and they reach price parity with comparable internal combustion engine vehicles. As the State transitions towards a higher usage of zero and low emission vehicles, a road user charge will ensure that vehicle owners continue to provide funding for the maintenance and improvement of our road network into the future. This includes supporting infrastructure for electric vehicles. Recognising that the market for electric vehicles is still being established, the road user charge commences from 1 July 2027 or when the sale of battery electric vehicles reaches 30 per cent of new motor vehicles sale in South Australia, whichever is earlier. The Bill amends the Highways Act 1926 to expand the use of the Highways Fund to include the cost of installing, maintaining, altering, operating or removing charging facilities for the electric vehicles and refuelling facilities for hydrogen powered vehicles.
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