Last year’s voluntary emissions reduction standard results released

The 2022 results of Australia’s voluntary emissions reduction standard for light vehicles have been released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).

They show mixed outcomes, with a drop in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions for passenger cars and light SUVs.

The MA (passenger cars and light SUVs) outcome for 2022 was an average of 131 grams (146 grams in 2021) of CO2 for every kilometre travelled, the FCAI reveals.

The MC + NA (heavy SUVs and light commercial vehicles) outcome was an average of 212.8 grams (212.5 grams in 2021).

These results are set against a 2022 target of 146 grams for MA and 189 grams for MC + NA.

Industry developed and adopted the standard in 2020 in the absence of action from the previous Federal Government, the FCAI adds.

The 2022 results demonstrate the challenges of transitioning to a zero-emission light vehicle sector in Australia, especially in the absence of a Government-mandated CO2 standard, says FCAI chief executive Tony Weber.

“Globally, there is currently a limited supply of batteries and supporting technology to meet the demand for all new vehicles and in particular, the bigger vehicles which a large proportion of Australians choose to buy,” he explains.

“Development work is being undertaken by car makers across the world to overcome these challenges.

“However, we are not likely to see a significant improvement in the availability of these vehicles at prices many Australians can afford until at least the end of this decade,” says Weber.

“We have the opportunity to establish a standard which gets us on the pathway to reducing emissions, supports car makers to attract the best low emission technology to the Australian market and provides Australian consumers with certainty and clarity around future vehicle availability.

“Attempts to simplify our journey to net zero as one that can only be achieved through electric vehicles ignore the buying preferences of Australian consumers, market supply realities, price, and the very real impact of other low emission technologies,” Weber adds.

“All FCAI members are aligned on the need for a fuel efficiency standard which considers consumers, the unique nature of the Australian market, product availability, affordability, and the full range of zero and low emission technologies.

“We look forward to continuing to engage constructively with the Federal Government to bring this to reality.”