Boost for EV infrastructure

The lead organisation for the new-car sector across the Tasman has acknowledged the release of the federal government’s A$250 million ($259.7m) future fuels and vehicles strategy, which includes A$178m to support the development of electric vehicle (EV) and hydrogen infrastructure.

Tony Weber, chief executive of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), said the funding is a welcome step in encouraging the uptake of low-emission vehicles.

“This move will assist in providing the infrastructure Australia urgently needs to support more EVs on our roads,” he adds.

However, the FCAI believes the federal government has missed an opportunity to apply a vehicle-emissions standard that will set a clear target for cutting pollution and providing real momentum to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

Weber says: “Governments should focus on setting targets, not trying to pick winners through specific technology.

“The availability of EVs in Australia is increasing as manufacturers respond to growing demand, but the reality is they still account for less than one per cent of total vehicle sales year to date.

“This means the government’s target for EVs to be 30 per cent of new-vehicle sales by 2030 is extremely optimistic.

“We strongly urge it to adopt the FCAI’s existing voluntary emissions standard, which sets a clear pathway towards lower CO2 emissions across the passenger and light commercial fleet through to 2030.

“Around the world, emissions targets are a clear sign of a government’s intent to reduce emissions and sends a positive signal to manufacturers to provide more electric-powered vehicles to those markets. This is exactly what is needed in Australia.”