The Federal Government’s inaugural National Electric Vehicle Strategy will help South Australians reduce their emissions and will increase the affordability of electric and hybrid vehicles.
Motor Trade Association SA/NT CEO Darrell Jacobs welcomed the development of a fuel efficiency standard as a key pillar of the strategy.
“Without a fuel efficiency standard manufacturers have been prioritising other markets which penalise car brands for not meeting emissions benchmarks,” Mr Jacobs said.
“Fuel efficiency standards were the missing piece and it will ultimately increase the range of more affordable vehicles that South Australians can purchase. This is the green light towards cheaper electric vehicles.
“We know the transition will not happen overnight but the government’s strategy provides greater clarity to the automotive industry and motorists about the path forward.
“We are also pleased that the government has listened to our calls and not banned the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles.
“Government funding support will also be required to equip the existing automotive workforce to know how to safely sell, service and repair EVs.”
Darrell Jacobs said four out of five Australians want to charge their EV at home.
“South Australia requires a comprehensive and fit-for-purpose charging network and access to affordable and reliable power to meet future demand,” he said.
“We know the strength of local energy supply has been central to the take up of electric vehicles internationally.”
The strategy will also plan for the recycling and reuse of EV batteries.
“EVs will bring new environmental waste challenges and so the time is right to introduce a comprehensive end of life vehicle policy.
“We should also be identifying how we can repurpose batteries and make them custom-fit for use within and beyond transportation.”
Australian consumers currently have access to fewer affordable EVs than other countries. For example, in the United States motorists have access to 31 models under $60,000, whereas in Australia, motorists only have access to nine models.
In the first quarter of 2023 electric vehicle purchases amounted to 4.4 per cent of all new South Australian sales. This has increased from 2 per cent in 2022 and 0.45 per cent in 2021.
The Federal Government will now consult on the design of its fuel efficiency standards, including with the automotive industry, before they are announced later this year.
