Q A & Lessons from the ‘frontline’

An interview with Darrell Jacobs, MTA SA/NT CEO

Q1: You were part of the launch of Australia’s first electric car at Mitsubishi. That was in 2009, 15 years ago. What did you learn from that experience?

Some of the lessons we learned still exist today. Customers were unsure of range, being a battery car was very foreign to them and they were uncertain about the infrastructure to support it. Affordability was also an issue. It was a $55,000 car competing in the $20,000 car segment.

Q2: Fast forward to 2024 and we’ve seen a significant uptake in electric vehicles. What has changed?

They are becoming more mainstream, with much greater awareness of them in the media and on the roads. There is also a greater choice for the customer, and ultimately, the link to decarbonisation is stronger.

Q3: What is one thing missing in the discussion around this transition to zero and low emission vehicles?

The discussion seems to be centred on everyone needing to drive electric vehicles quickly and that they will all be here tomorrow. What’s missing is an understanding that vehicle technologies are constantly improving. Diesel technologies are improving, there are a large number of hybrids and hydrogen is on its way. People seem stuck on talking purely about EVs. And we can’t forget that it’s not just about the vehicle; it is about infrastructure, skills, safety and recycling. Not to mention, it is a 20+ year transition. So, we must discuss the whole ecosystem.

Q4: How do you arrive at that number on the road?

Today there are around 20 million vehicles on the road in Australia, and we sell about a million new cars a year. The math is simple; it will take 20 years to change over. We also know, in countries that are advanced in their EV adoptions, customers are keeping their internal combustion vehicles for longer - sometimes up to 18 years.

Q5: Training is critical. What does this mean for people entering the automotive industry and those already employed in our sector?

The technology in an electric vehicle is different, but they still need to be serviced and repaired. With high voltage running through them, the first priority is safety. Currently, we have many technicians with a mechanical background who require reskilling to handle these vehicles that enter the workshop.

Q6: NT and Australia suffer from the tyranny of distance. But, as new cars increase their range and the charging network expands, does ‘range anxiety’ even matter anymore?

It’s an interesting question. We are starting to see potential in solid state batteries that would allow vehicles to travel a lot further. But there is anxiety in consumers heads around whether they will make it to the next charge station and if it’s already occupied or working. Generally in urban locations, you know you can drive to work and charge it at home but the anxiety begins the moment you leave the city.

Q7: You talk to automotive businesses every day. What are they telling you about this transition?

Automotive businesses are very diverse. A dealership selling electric cars is already seeing many customers as they come back for servicing. But an independent repair shop around the corner may not have seen a single EV and don’t expect to for some time. And the same goes for recyclers, so it’s a different pace depending on which part of the industry you’re in.

Overall, we are seeing increased interest from qualified mechanics wanting to upgrade their skills and remain relevant.

Q8: What’s your one message to members about electric vehicles?

Embrace EVs because they are coming, whether you like it or not. Read widely to see what’s happening in your space and start preparing your staff and your business. Not everything you read will happen tomorrow, but you will gain a general awareness - and you will see there are huge opportunities due to the paradigm shift occurring in the industry.