In New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia, P-plate drivers are generally prohibited from operating vehicles with a power-to-weight ratio exceeding 130 kW per tonne. This restriction significantly impacts electric vehicles (EVs), as many popular models—such as the Tesla Model Y and high-spec variants of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6—exceed this limit due to their high power outputs, even though their heavy battery packs often keep their ratios close to the threshold.
While the 130 kW/tonne rule is the primary metric, New South Wales also bans specific EVs classified as "high-performance" based on other data, regardless of whether they technically meet the power-to-weight cut-off. In contrast, the Northern Territory, Australian Capital Territory, Tasmania, and Western Australia have no vehicle power restrictions for P-plate drivers, allowing them to drive any EV regardless of performance specs. South Australia’s restrictions additionally apply only to P-plate holders under the age of 25.
Tesla Model Y: The entry-level Rear-Wheel Drive variant is banned in NSW and Victoria because its power-to-weight ratio is approximately 132.7 kW/tonne, just above the 130 kW/tonne limit.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 / Kia EV6: The Techniq/Epiq and GT-Line variants are banned in NSW (and likely other states) due to being classified as high-performance, despite some variants having ratios under 130 kW/tonne.
Allowed EVs: Single-motor models like the MG 4 (approx. 90 kW/tonne) and base-model Polestar 2 are generally permitted across all states with restrictions.
Penalties: Violating these rules can result in substantial fines and demerit points, such as $603 and 7 demerit points in NSW, which can lead to license suspension for P1/P2 holders.
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