Tony Weber.
Support for the Senate Select Committee Inquiry into Electric Vehicles’ recommendations has come from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).
The recommendations will serve as a kick start for the take up of EV technology in Australia, FCAI chief executive officer Tony Weber says.
“The international automotive industry has a strong focus on low emission and electric vehicles,” he says.
“Most brands have models either in concept form, in planning, or in production – and we even have several of these innovative vehicles on sale here in Australia right now.
“However, awareness of EV technology in Australia is low and it has been proven that, without clear policy or support from government, sales of the vehicles will be slow in the initial stages.”
Weber says the recommendations will provide a much-needed boost to ensure EVs increase on Australian roads. He says that will ensure Australia keeps up with the rest of the world on environmentally innovative mobility.
“Importantly, the report calls for the Government to introduce a vehicle emissions standard in Australia,” Weber says.
“A credible yet realistic CO2 vehicle emissions reduction standard is critical to stimulate investment in lower-emission vehicle technologies for the Australian market.”
The report’s key finding is that, “The Australian Government should prioritise the development of a national EV strategy and an inter-governmental taskforce to lead its implementation”.
The report recommends the Government set strong targets for the growth of EVs in Australia, mitigate tax and duty costs on low emission vehicles, and implement a comprehensive plan for a public charging infrastructure.
In supporting such measures, the FCAI urges policymakers to take a holistic approach.
“Measures to support accelerated take-up of zero emissions vehicles should be part of a broader vehicle emissions package,” Weber says.
“This will help reduce emissions across Australia’s new vehicle fleet and stimulate the transition towards lower emissions technologies such as battery electric and hydrogen electric fuel cell vehicles.”
