Energy company Origin has announced a range of initiatives in order get more electric vehicles (EVs) on Australian roads which it says will reduce the upfront cost and provide savings on home charging.
One major highlight is Origin’s new all-inclusive salary-packaged EV subscription plan that’s aimed at helping Australians switch to an EV without buying the car or signing up to a long-term lease.
The company says there are month-to-month contract options available, with customers able to change vehicles when they need, and also have tax savings through salary sacrificing that takes advantage of the recently introduced Fringe Benefit Tax exemption for EVs.
Origin currently offers EVs like the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Polestar 2, Kia EV6, BYD Atto 3, and MG ZS EV, among others as part of its salary-packaged subscription plan.
Tesla Model 3
It’s not alone in this space: rival energy provider AGL also offers electric vehicle subscriptions, though without the tax-saving benefits of salary packaging.
Australian car subscription company Carbar also recently announced it’s offering salary-packaged subscriptions.
Origin estimates a customer based in Victoria looking to trial a subscription of a Tesla Model 3 with a 37 per cent marginal tax bracket (inclusive of 2 per cent Medicare levy) will pay $305 per week after tax savings.
The salary-packaged EV subscription plan includes roadside assistance, insurance, registration, servicing and maintenance, as well as tyres.
Kia EV6
Customers also get access to Origin’s EV Energy Plan which provides five hours of free electricity between 10am and 3pm, as well as off-peak energy rates between 1am and 6am.
Interested customers can register their interest on the website, and Origin will contact their employer to discuss an arrangement for offering this salary-packaged EV subscription plan to their employees.
Beyond this, Origin is now selling Schneider EVLink wallboxes in both 7.4kW (single phase) and 22kW (three phase) variations. They start from $2700, including installation fees.
The energy company has also partnered with public charging provider Jolt to supply its network with 100 per cent wind and solar energy.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Origin customers who use Jolt chargers can opt to pay for the charging on their electricity bill to “make it convenient”.
The last initiative Origin has announced includes a partnership with Audi that grants e-tron owners access to the EV Energy Plan with 100 per cent GreenPower for 12 months.
Audi e-tron, e-tron Sportback and e-tron GT owners also receive a discount on EV wallboxes installed at their home through Origin. These can be automatically set up to optimise charging times.
Audi RS e-tron GT
“Origin now has a range of solutions to support a wide range of customers in their transition to EVs including small and large business customers, residents in apartment complexes and home owners,” said Origin general manager of e-mobility Chau Le.
“We can help people get in their first EV affordably and help them get the most out of it with charging solutions at their home, office or while on the road.”
“Transport remains the third highest emitting sector in Australia, and so the electrification of transport will play a critical role in Australia achieving its ambition to decarbonise the economy towards a long-term goal to be net zero by 2050 or sooner,” added Ms Le.
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