The Federal Government has released a consultation paper that will help shape the National EV Strategy and give Australians a voice in increasing the supply and uptake of electric vehicles in Australia.
“Current policy settings have failed to secure supply of affordable EVs for Australians,” said Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King in a joint statement.
“State and territory governments around Australia have implemented policies to encourage EV take-up, but coordination and alignment at the national level has been lacking,” the ministers added.
“We are also seeking views on implementing vehicle fuel efficiency standards in Australia…And while any standards must be designed specifically for Australia, standards that lack ambition will still leave Australians at the back of the global queue for cheaper, cleaner vehicles. We need to aim for as close to best practice as is achievable.”
“All Australians are encouraged to have their say on how we can transform Australia’s transport sector through the development of the National Electric Vehicle Strategy.”
According to the consultation paper, the National EV Strategy titled “Powering Australia” aims to align national and international goals including:
- Making EVs more affordable
- Expanding EV uptake and choice
- Reducing emissions
- Saving Australians money on fuel
- Increasing local manufacturing
The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) has welcomed the release of the consultation papers.
“This paper is an encouraging starting point. Automotive manufacturers look forward to working with Government to create an ambitious yet achievable policy framework for both car makers and Australian consumers,” says FCAI Chief Executive Tony Webber.
Meanwhile, the Electric Vehicle Council called the consultation paper a “breath of fresh air”.
“Australia can absolutely be an EV powerhouse, employing Australians to build products right across the EV supply chain. But we won’t realise those opportunities while our standards lag the rest of the world,” said EVC Chief Behyad Jafari.
Interested parties who wish to participate in the consultations can read the paper here. Submissions are pope until 31 October 2022.
Did you find this article helpful? Give it a ‘like’ by clicking the ‘heart’ button above!
