Federal government call for national EV strategy submissions

Submissions are now being called for by the federal government to shape how Australia makes the shift to electric vehicles.

A consultation paper has been issued by the federal government that outlines the goals and issues in relation to a National Electric Vehicle Strategy (NEVS).

NEVS will be designed to improve the affordability, supply and uptake of electric vehicles.

Promised by Energy Minister Chris Bowen at recent EV summit in Canberra, the paper was issued in conjunction with Transport Minister Catherine King.

The five goals of NEVS stated in the consultation paper are:

• Make EVs more affordable
• Expand EV uptake and choice
• Reduce emissions
• Save Australians money on fuel
• Increase local manufacturing

Excluding COVID-19’s impact, transport is Australia’s second largest source of national emissions. Reducing emissions by boosting EV uptake is regarded as critical to Australia reaching net zero by 2050.

Australia is significantly behind when it comes to EVs – only two per cent of new vehicle sales are EVs and our uptake of new low-emissions vehicles is nearly five times lower than the global average.

“At the heart of the national strategy will be a plan to improve affordability and choice for consumers by growing the Australian EV market,” Bowen said.
 
“This is a genuine consultation to inform the right policy settings so we can see more affordable electric vehicles on our roads.”
 
“Right now, Australians miss out on a wider choice of affordable EVs because our policy settings are outdated. It’s time for Australians to get a fair go when they’re deciding on their next car.”
 
King said the consultation will ensure people are heard to make EVs more accessible to Australians.
 
“Part of the consultation is about the Government seeking stakeholder views on vehicle fuel efficiency standards, including their application, design and implementation.”
 
“Our cars are less fuel efficient on average than Europe and the US. Now is the time for Australia to join the rest of the world and electrify our road transport.”
 
“That is why our Government is taking this critical step to ensure Australian households and businesses reap the benefits of transport that is fit for the 21st century – being both cheaper to run and lower emitting.”
 
Click here to read the full National Electric Vehicle Strategy consultation paper.

Submissions mist be filed by October 31.