NEWS
AAAA RESPONDS TO FUTURE FUELS AND VEHICLE STRATEGY The Federal Government has outlined its Electric Vehicle policy The policy is designed to encourage the market to move towards EV uptake without introducing the financial incentives seen in some other countries.
“We will do this by creating the right environment for industry co-investment in technology development.
The AAAA welcomes the strategy, which is in line with its call for a strategic approach to the transition to EVs.
“Just as Australians have taken their own decision to embrace roof-top solar at the highest rate in the world, when new vehicle technologies are cost competitive Australians will embrace them too.”
The first national Future Fuels and Vehicles Strategy is backed by an expanded $250 million Future Fuels Fund investment, including $178 million in new funding. The technology-led Strategy will see the Government work with industry to enhance consumer choice, create jobs and reduce emissions in Australia’s transport sector. The expanded Future Fuels Fund will focus on four areas, public electric vehicle charging and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure; heavy and longdistance vehicle technologies; commercial fleets; and household smart charging Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Future Fuels and Vehicles Strategy delivers on the Government’s recently released Long-Term Emissions Reduction Plan, which provides an Australian way to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. “Our Plan promised technology not taxes, choices not mandates, and driving down the cost of new technologies, and that’s exactly what this Strategy delivers to Australians,” the Prime Minister said. “Australians love their family sedan, farmers rely on their trusted ute and our economy counts on trucks and trains to deliver goods from coast to coast. “We will not be forcing Australians out of the car they want to drive or penalising those who can least afford it through bans or taxes. Instead, the Strategy will work to drive down the cost of low and zero emission vehicles, and enhance consumer choice.
AAAA Director of Government Relations and Advocacy, Lesley Yates, said the AAAA is pleased to see the emphasis being placed on expanding recharging infrastructure and is looking forward to consulting with all levels of government about strategies to enable AAAA members to access the specialist knowledge and training required to repair and maintain EVs. “The Federal Government is of the view that when EVs are affordable, Australians will embrace them,” Lesley said. “A large part of affordability is the repair, service and maintenance of EVs and we want governments to work with us to support automotive repairers to be ready to support in-service EVs. “The Prime Minister talks about choice and not forcing consumers into only one option. We agree, consumer should have choice and that includes the ability to chose who repairs and maintains their EV at competitive and affordable rates.” Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said the Strategy is about helping motorists embrace the increasing range of technologies available to keep them moving in an informed and fair way. “The Future Fuels and Vehicles Strategy sets out the Government’s technology-led approach to reducing transport emissions while ensuring Australians can drive their preferred type of vehicle – be that petrol, diesel, hydrogen or electric powered,” Minister Taylor said. “Our technology-led approach is already helping
to enhance consumer and industry confidence. In the last eight months there has been a 20 percent increase in the number of low emissions vehicle models available in Australia. “We are continuing to invest in the right infrastructure, while ensuring both those in the cities and regions can access this $250 million Fund. “Like we saw with our world-leading rooftop solar uptake, we know that when new technologies reach price parity, Australians rapidly adopt them. We will take these lessons from solar integration into our reform work to ensure our grid is ‘EV ready’ to keep the lights on and bills affordable for everyone. “Voluntary adoption of electric vehicles is the right pathway for reducing transport emissions over the long term. Stringent standards, bans or regressive taxes will limit choice and increase the upfront costs of cars for Australians.” In a press release, the Government said it will also take the lead on reforms through Energy Ministers to ensure the electricity grid is ready for an increase in electric vehicles. It says these reforms will help to keep the grid reliable and affordable, along with avoiding the estimated $224 million in electricity network upgrades needed by 2030. Without this action, these costs would be passed on to all electricity consumers, even those who do not choose to buy an electric vehicle. In addition, the Government will continue to work closely with the states and territories to address barriers to low emission vehicle uptake in their jurisdictions, ensuring consumers have access to reliable, easy-to-understand information on low emission vehicles to enable informed choices. For more information, visit www.industry.gov.au/data-andpublications/future-fuels-and-vehicles-strategy
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Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine November 2021
