EV Charging Vandalism Is Real — Here's What It Means for Lease Drivers
A man has been charged with damaging nearly a dozen EV charging stations. We unpack what charging reliability means if you're considering a novated lease on an EV.
A 29-year-old has been charged with damaging nearly a dozen EV charging stations and stealing plugs and cables from Tesla Superchargers, according to a report by The Driven. It's an isolated incident — but it's exactly the kind of story that feeds the anxiety people already have about switching to an EV.
If you're weighing up a novated lease on an electric vehicle, charging infrastructure is a legitimate practical question. It deserves a straight answer, not a sales pitch.
What this means for novated lease customers
Vandalism events like this are rare, but they do highlight one real consideration: public charging is not your primary charging strategy when you drive an EV under a novated lease. The overwhelming majority of EV drivers on novated leases charge overnight at home. That's where the convenience argument is won or lost — not at a public Supercharger.
For PAYG employees considering an EV novated lease, the FBT exemption for eligible battery electric vehicles (introduced under the Treasury Laws Amendment (Electric Car Discount) Act 2022) means the vehicle's running costs — including home charging electricity — can be bundled into the lease and paid from pre-tax salary. That doesn't change because someone damaged a public charger in one location.
Public charging is a backup, not the backbone. A damaged station is an inconvenience, not a crisis, if your home charging setup is sorted before you take delivery. Ask your novated lease provider about including a home charger installation in your lease package — it's a legitimate ancillary cost many employees don't realise they can include.
Common questions
Does charging infrastructure damage affect whether I should get an EV on a novated lease?
Not materially. Isolated vandalism incidents don't change the fundamental economics or practicality of an EV novated lease. Home charging covers the vast majority of daily needs, and public networks continue to expand despite occasional setbacks.
Can I include a home EV charger in my novated lease?
Yes, in many cases. A home charging unit can be bundled into your novated lease as an ancillary cost, meaning you may be able to pay for it from pre-tax salary. Check the specifics with your lease provider, as conditions apply.
Is the FBT exemption for EVs still in place?
As of the date of this page, eligible battery electric vehicles under the luxury car tax threshold remain exempt from fringe benefits tax under the Treasury Laws Amendment (Electric Car Discount) Act 2022. Confirm current eligibility thresholds with your provider or the ATO directly, as legislation can change.
What happens if a public charger is unavailable and I can't get to work?
This is why home charging is the recommended primary solution for novated lease EV drivers. Relying solely on public infrastructure introduces unnecessary risk — plan your setup so public charging is always a convenience, never a necessity.
Does millarX only do EV novated leases?
No. millarX arranges novated leases on both electric and internal combustion engine vehicles. The right choice depends on your driving habits, salary, and personal circumstances — not which type of car is currently in the news.