Australia targets vehicle emissions to boost electric car supply
The Australian government plans to make new regulations targeting vehicle carbon emissions with the aim of increasing the adoption of electric vehicles.
So far only 2% of cars sold in Australia are electric vehicles. That number is far from 15% in the UK and 17% in Europe. In addition, Australia risks becoming a dumping ground for vehicles that cannot be sold elsewhere, said Minister of Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen.
Australia has so far not had or developed fuel efficiency standards, which could encourage manufacturers to bring electric vehicles to market.
“To me, this is ultimately about choice. And policy settings are denying Australians real choice of good, affordable, no emissions cars,” Bowen told an electric vehicle summit in Canberra.
Draft regulations will be consulted in September, with a focus on increasing electric vehicle adoption and increasing affordability.
The Australian market has few options for purchasing electric vehicles. In the continental country, only eight EV models priced under $41,450 are available to choose from in Australia, compared to 26 in the UK.
