In mid-2022, as petrol prices skyrocketed from $1.30 to over $2.20 per litre, a lot of people—including me—started questioning how sustainable it was to keep relying on traditional petrol-powered cars. Budgeting for fuel felt impossible, with prices changing every other day, and every trip to the petrol station became a painful reminder of how much money was disappearing. That’s when I decided it was time to look for a better option.
Electric vehicles (EVs) kept coming up in my search, and while I didn’t know much about them at first, they quickly became the clear choice. What made the decision even easier for me was that here at AP Group, we’re offered an EV rebate as part of the company’s efforts to reduce emissions from staff commuting. With that extra incentive on the table, making the switch felt like the right move—not just for my budget, but for the environment too.
Financial Benefits
1. Tax Incentives That Add Up:
Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) Exemption: If you get an EV through work, you could be exempt from paying FBT, which means big savings.
Rebates and Registration Discounts: Many Australian states and territories offer cash rebates, registration discounts, and even stamp duty exemptions. For example, in New South Wales, you could get up to $3,000 back on an eligible EV and avoid stamp duty altogether.
2. Cheaper to Run:
Fuel Savings: Charging an EV costs a fraction of what you’d spend on petrol—especially if you charge during off-peak hours or use solar power at home.
Maintenance Savings: EVs don’t need oil changes or as much servicing because they have fewer moving parts. This saves a surprising amount of money over time.
3. Value Retention:
With the growing shift toward sustainable transport, EVs are holding their resale value well. Plus, the demand for EVs is only increasing as more people catch on to the benefits.
4. Workplace Support:
Initiatives like our EV rebate here at AP Group are becoming more common as businesses step up to support sustainable commuting. These kinds of perks can make a huge difference in offsetting the upfront cost of an EV.
Environmental Benefits
EVs don’t produce tailpipe emissions, which means they’re not pumping pollutants into the air we breathe. That’s a big win for the environment and for anyone who wants to leave a cleaner planet behind for future generations.
And the benefits go beyond just driving. As Australia continues to move towards renewable energy, charging an EV is becoming greener too. If you have solar panels at home, your car could be running almost entirely on clean energy. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in reducing your carbon footprint.
Practical Perks
Noise and Comfort: EVs are smooth and super quiet to drive. It’s a small detail, but one that makes a big difference on long drives.
No More Fuel Stops: Charging at home is a game-changer. Plugging in overnight means you wake up to a “full tank” every morning. Public charging stations are also popping up everywhere, making long trips easier than ever.
Freedom from Petrol Prices: Let’s be real—one of the best things about switching to an EV is saying goodbye to the unpredictable rollercoaster of petrol prices.
My Personal EV Journey
For me, switching to an EV was more about escaping the frustration of skyrocketing fuel costs than anything else. Like many people, I thought Tesla was the only real option, but it wasn’t in my budget. After a lot of research, I found there were more affordable EV brands like MG and BYD that were just as practical for everyday use.
What really pushed me to take the plunge was the extra incentive from AP Group. Here at AP Group, we’re offered an EV rebate to help reduce emissions from staff commuting. It’s part of our broader sustainability goals, and having that support made a big difference in my decision to switch.
I ended up going with an MG ZS EV SUV, and it’s been fantastic. Sure, it doesn’t have the range of a Tesla, but for city and suburban driving, it’s perfect. The best part? I don’t miss visiting petrol stations. Now, my stops are purely for snacks or tyre checks, not filling up a tank that drains my wallet.
There’s also something really satisfying about knowing I’m driving a car that’s kinder to the planet. It feels good to know I’m doing my part, however small, for the environment. Plus, I’ve noticed how much lighter it feels on my budget—not just in terms of fuel but also with maintenance costs being so much lower.
Why You Should Consider an EV
Switching to an EV isn’t just a smart financial move—it’s a lifestyle upgrade. From saving money on fuel and maintenance to reducing your carbon footprint, the benefits are hard to ignore.
If you’re sitting on the fence, take it from me: the switch is worth it. I was hesitant at first, but now I can’t imagine going back. Whether it’s the cost savings, the convenience, or just the feel-good factor of driving an eco-friendly car, making the change to an EV is a decision you won’t regret. And if your workplace offers incentives like we have at AP Group, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of them. You might be surprised how much it can transform your daily routine.
Written by Elizabeth Liew, Senior Administrator AP Group
AP Group are the leading pharmacy experts in Australia and specialise in helping buyers find the right pharmacy and attaining the best legal advice to support their purchase.
We connect existing owners with over 5000 ready and eager investors via our cutting-edge online Data Room. Our Data Room keeps confidential listing data secure and allows buyers to make informed decisions on each of our pharmacies for sale.
AP Group have the unique and highly specialised experience with providing contract and other legal advice for Pharmacy investors.
About the author:
Organised is Elizabeth’s middle name. Not really, but we think it should be. A lover of mystery novels, travel and beaches, Elizabeth is an essential piece to the AP Group puzzle. She offers administrative support in all areas — working closely with the sales, finance and legal teams, as well as with our clients.
Adaptable, courteous and hardworking, Elizabeth has had a varied and exciting career — including working in Asia for an international airline, a trade magazine publishing company and an event management company. After moving back to Australia in 2015, she completed a Diploma in Leadership and Management, then spent the next 6 years growing her skillset and assisting a range of companies with back-office administration duties.
Today, she brings unrivalled communication, organisation and enthusiasm to the AP Group team and clients. Her names often referred to in the context of “Elizabeth will know.”