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Rodger_Moore(I'm new)I'm new
6 June 2025

Hi Robert, I have a similar complaint. How did it all play out for you? Do you have a link to the most up-to-date ATO advice you used? I bought a smart plug for my Outlander PHEV to try and claim actual home electricity costs. I dont need a dedicated charger with speeds that exceed what the car is capable of charging at. Plus trying to avoid spending in excess of $1000 for a changer I don't actually need.

I am happy with the 'granny charger' speeds at 8A and willing to do a stat dec re the actual costs to submit my electricity claims. I have complained to MAXXIA about them rejecting my submissions too. I am using a lot more electricity than petrol with my PHEV.

Thank you


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NikkiATO(Community Moderator)Community Moderator
9 June 2025

Thanks for the follow-up @Rodger_Moore – and yep, this has been a common point of confusion.


Yes, you can claim home charging costs for a PHEV under a novated lease – but only if you calculate the actual cost. You can’t use the shortcut EV home charging rate because PHEVs aren’t zero-emissions vehicles. This is confirmed on our Electric cars exemption page, which says:


“To work out the cost of the electricity used to charge an exempt plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), you need to calculate the actual electricity expenses. You can't use the EV home charging rate.”


And also in PCG 2024/2, which outlines that the shortcut method does not apply to PHEVs, but actual cost claims are still allowed if you have proper records.


So, your approach (using a smart plug and keeping records) is on the right track. If your lease provider is still rejecting claims, you might want to share the links above with them or ask them to clarify if there’s a policy restriction on their end.

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RE: PHEV - Cant Claim Home Charging? | ATO Community