In January, the Senate Select Committee on Electric Vehicles (EVs) released a report into the status of EVs in Australia, finding that “EV uptake in Australia lags behind that of other comparable countries due to a relative absence of overarching policy direction from Australian Governments. The higher upfront costs of EVs, concerns about driving range, lack of recharging infrastructure, and limited model availability are key factors hindering consumer uptake.”

Recognising the opportunities that EVs and EV technology offer, the Select Committee made 17 recommendations, including:

• Develop a national EV strategy to facilitate and accelerate EV uptake and ensure Australia takes advantage of the opportunities, and manages the risks and challenges for the transition to EVs;
• Develop a national strategy for consumer education to raise awareness of the capabilities and benefits of EVs;
• Develop and implement a comprehensive 10-year EV manufacturing roadmap;
• In conjunction with industry stakeholders, fund apprenticeships and traineeships in the local EV and associated manufacturing sector; and
• Work with state and territory governments, and other stakeholders to render all new dwellings ‘electric vehicle charger ready’.
• Introduce more stringent vehicle emissions standards, and establish a new CO2 standard, informed by those implemented in other developed countries and the findings of the Ministerial Forum on Vehicle Emissions.

The Senate Select Committee took submissions and conducted public hearings around the country in 2018, providing an opportunity for businesses, academics and members of the public to give input into how the nation prepares for EVs and their impact on society and the economy.

“The Report is absolutely correct in stating that EV uptake in Australia falls well behind that of other comparable countries which is mostly due to a lack of policy direction from government,” said Dr Brett Dale, CEO of MTA Queensland.

“EVs are transforming the mobility sector globally and sales are growing significantly in countries where government policy supports their uptake.

“Without an effective regulatory framework, Australia’s imminent EV uptake is likely to be slow resulting in EV manufacturers unlikely to bring their various makes and models to the Australian market.”

Other automotive-related organisations also supported the Committee’s findings.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) applauded the recommendations, with its CEO, Tony Weber, saying they will serve as a kick start for the take up of EV technology in Australia.

“The international automotive industry has a strong focus on low emission and electric vehicles. Most brands have models either in concept form, in planning, or in production – and we even have several of these innovative vehicles on sale here in Australia right now,”Mr Weber said.

“The recommendations made by the Senate Select Committee will provide a much-needed boost to ensure EVs increase on Australian roads, and our country keeps up with the rest of the world in terms of environmentally innovative mobility.”

The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) also issued a statement supporting the recommendations and re-iterated that new car dealers recognise the future and value of EVs.
“There are some important recommendations in this Report and new car dealers are looking forward to playing our part in supplying EVs to the Australian market,” said David Blackhall, AADA CEO.

Source: Motor Trader E-Magazine (Feb 2019)

12 Feb 2019