The Australian government has released the country’s first National Electric Vehicle Strategy for public consultation.
The plan is intended to improve the affordability, supply, and uptake of electric vehicles, establish better access to modern road transport technology, and ensure that infrastructure and industries are prepped for the transition.
A media statement issued by Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the consultation paper will look into several issues, such as:
- making EVs more affordable to encourage uptake and choice;
- deploying more charging infrastructure, reducing road transport emissions;
- introducing fuel efficiency standards;
- saving Australians money on fuel; and
- increasing local manufacturing.
Australia is significantly behind when it comes to electric vehicles, with only 2 per cent of new vehicle sales being EVs, while the uptake of new low-emissions vehicles is nearly five times lower than the global average.
This means Australians are missing out on the benefits of EVs, according to the statement jointly released with Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Chris Bowen.
King said the consultation will ensure people’s insights are incorporated in making 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.”
In a news.com.au article, King noted that a Tesla manufacturing plant would “absolutely” be welcome in Australia.
This remark comes after Tesla board chair Robyn Denholm told the National Press Club in Canberra in early September that the company wanted to have manufacturing capability in every continent.
“Tesla is a prime example of that; we’re producing vehicles in California, which is one of the most expensive places on the planet, and shipping them all around the world,” King said Wednesday.
The EV strategy consultation paper is available at https://consult.industry.gov.au/national-electric-vehicle-strategy. Submissions can be made until 31 October.
