Australian Parliament will launch an inquiry into the nation’s electric vehicle (EV) transition.
The probe will be led by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment, and Water and will examine the various aspects of the shift towards EVs with a focus on the need for appropriate resources, systems, and infrastructure.
In a press release, Chair of the Committee, Mr Tony Zappia MP noted that Australian motorists increasingly prefer EVs.
“The percentage of EVs sold has been steadily climbing, reaching 7.2 per cent of all new cars sold in 2023, a substantial increase from the less than 3 per cent recorded in 2022,” he said.
Key Focus Areas
Chief among the Committee’s focus areas during the inquiry will be “the establishment of resources, systems and infrastructure required to support the transition to EVs”.
‘The Committee will also explore opportunities such as fuel savings and affordability for residents in outer regions to make this shift beneficial for everyone,” Mr. Zappia also said.
“Our focus will also be on the future of EV battery manufacturing, and we will consider challenges on electricity consumption and demand and our limited EV supply compared to other countries,” Mr Zappia added.
The inquiry will also explore opportunities for fuel savings, particularly by combining EVs with other consumer energy technologies, with a specific focus on providing affordable options for residents in outer suburban and regional areas.
The Committee will also scrutinize the implications on electricity consumption and demand, acknowledging the challenges and opportunities arising from the limited supply of EVs compared to other countries.
Call for Public Participation
The Committee invites written submissions providing recommendations related to the inquiry’s terms of reference by Friday, 22 March 2024.
Stakeholders and experts are encouraged to contribute their insights on topics such as infrastructure development, environmental considerations, and the economic implications of the EV transition. Submissions can be sent here.
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