Victoria suggests higher registration costs or national charge could replace struck down EV tax

Treasurer Tim Pallas says refunds being considered after high court ruled charge was unconstitutional

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Victorian treasurer Tim Pallas says the government will consider refunding a tax paid by electric vehicle owners after the high court deemed it invalid, but suggests registration costs could rise or a national levy could be implemented in its place.

The high court on Wednesday ruled in favour of two electric car drivers who argued the imposition of the Victorian tax, charged per kilometre ​driven, was unconstitutional because the states do not have the power to impose such excise taxes on consumption.

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