The Minister for Climate Change and Energy, the Hon Chris Bowen MP (Member of Parliament), has announced the nation's first National Electric Vehicle (EV) Strategy (the Strategy).
The Minister said the time for change is here and now. The Strategy sets a vision to increase the uptake of EVs to reduce our emissions and improve the wellbeing of Australians.
Implementing initiatives from the Strategy will make it easier to charge an EV, reduce emissions and make EVs more affordable for Australians. Initiatives also focus on reducing the costs to Australians running their vehicles and expand EV availability and choice with a larger range of EVs.
Consultation: You spoke, we listened
We have consulted across Australia with industry, unions, governments, business, and other key stakeholders on a consultation paper released in September 2022.
More than 1,500 individuals and over 200 organisations provided their feedback.
We have heard from Australians they are ready and willing to make the switch to EVs.
Feedback from consultations noted improved cost, choice, availability, and accessibility of EV charging are fundamental for Australia's successful transition to EVs.
Stakeholders also identified opportunities for national collaboration with State and Territory governments to design and deliver the systems and infrastructure needed.
Next steps
Work is already underway. All 8 Australian states and territories have agreed to 6 key areas of national collaboration with the Australian Government to encourage the uptake of EVs:
- National standards
- Data sharing
- EV affordability
- Remote and regional EV charging infrastructure
- Fleet procurement
- Education and awareness.
The Fuel Efficiency Standard - Cleaner Cars for Australia
A key priority of the Strategy is our commitment to introduce a Fuel Efficiency Standard for Australia. The Fuel Efficiency Standard will set an average carbon emissions limit, that decreases over time, across all new light vehicles sold by each vehicle supplier in our market. A well-designed standard will help reduce fuel costs for Australian motorists and improve the supply and variety of EVs coming into the Australian market.
The Government has published 'The Fuel Efficiency Standard - Cleaner Cars for Australia' consultation paper seeking input on how the Standard should be designed. To have your say visit www.cleanercars.gov.au.
