The federal government says its EV strategy will make electric options cheaper for the transport industry
The federal government says it is unlocking the nation’s electric vehicle potential and putting in place the next steps to establish Australia’s first National Electric Vehicle Strategy.
A discussion paper on the National Electric Vehicle Strategy will shortly be released for wide consultation.
At the heart of the strategy will be a plan to improve uptake of electric vehicles and improve affordability and choice by growing the Australian electric vehicle market.
The government says Australia is significantly behind the pack when it comes to electric vehicles – at last count, consumers in the United Kingdom could take their pick of 26 low-emissions vehicles under $60,000. In Australia that number is only eight.
At two per cent, Australia’s uptake of new low-emissions vehicles is also nearly five times lower than the global average.
The federal government says now is the time to have an orderly and sensible discussion about whether vehicle fuel efficiency standards could help improve the supply of electric vehicles into the Australian market to address the cost-of-living impacts of inefficient cars and to reduce emissions from the transport sector.
The government says the development of a National Electric Vehicle Strategy is an opportunity to explore options and details about how an Australian fuel efficiency standard could work and the benefits of a standard – such as getting more affordable electric vehicles to market and reducing household transport costs from inefficient vehicles.
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In recognition of the importance of all jurisdictions working together to tackle this challenge and opportunity, the climate change and transport ministers have written to state and territory ministers inviting participation in the development of the Strategy.
The government says it has already acted to make electric cars cheaper through the removal of fringe benefits tax and the five per cent import tariff for eligible electric vehicles.
The government says it is committed to ensuring Australians have access to the world’s best transport technology including by investing in the Driving the Nation plan which will:
- Establish a truly national EV charging network – with charging stations at an average interval of 150km on major roads.
- Create a national Hydrogen Highways refuelling network.
- Set a Low Emission Vehicle target for the Commonwealth fleet of 75 per cent of new leases and purchases by 2025.
“The federal government will provide the leadership that’s been lacking at the federal level, to work collaboratively with the states and territories, industry, unions and consumer groups to deliver Australia’s first National Electric Vehicle Strategy,” climate change and energy minister Chris Bowen says.
Transport minister Catherine King says: “We’re committed to ensuring an Australian vehicle market provides consumers with easier access to affordable and popular cars, including EVs that are better for the back pocket and the environment.”
“We want to hear your views on how best to design fuel efficiency standards in Australia to meet industry and consumer needs now and for generations to come, so I encourage people to have their say.”