Driving Change: Australia’s Bold Move to Cut Emissions With New Fuel Standards

Australia is one of the few countries without fuel efficiency standards. But things are soon about to change. 

Earlier this month, the Solar Citizens’ Electric Ute Roadshow made a lot of noise in Canberra to promote the LDV eT60 and push national fuel standards. Politicians who were present at the event were not only chauffeured in the electric ute, but they were also given a copy of the Solar Citizens Recharging Australia report. 

The LDV eT60 was the first electric ute in the country, and it certainly won’t be the last. It can be recalled that Ford has indicated they are willing to bring its electric lineup of vehicles to Australia soon. 

The need for strong fuel efficiency standards

One of the most effective ways to entice car manufacturers to bring their electric models to Australia is to set strong fuel efficient standards. 

Energy Minister Chris Bowen and Transport Minister Catherine King have launched the first National Electric Vehicle Strategy (NEVs). This includes the commitment to set a Fuel Efficiency Standard by the end of 2023. 

The federal government held a consultation process in 2022 that garnered over 600 responses from citizens that want to seek a strong fuel efficiency standard, local electric vehicle manufacturing, increased subsidies, and more. 

Overall, most of the responses the government received supported a Fuel Efficiency Standard. 

What the fuel efficiency standard should be

The fuel efficiency standard must align with New Zealand’s standards and be extremely ambitious. 

The government will spend the next few weeks designing standards with stakeholders.

The concept is to push automakers to divert a greater factory supply of their CO2-reducing electrified vehicles to the country, enabling them to avoid penalties, such as fines. 

The next step will be to finalise the details over the next few months whilst consulting with the car industry. 

One thing’s for sure, though—the new fuel efficiency standards will only apply to new vehicles. 

According to Bowen, “This strategy provides the coordination and leadership to drive down costs and improve infrastructure to get more affordable and accessible electric vehicles on the market.”

He also said, “The government has already cut taxes on EVs through the Electric Car Discount, saving up to $11,000 a year on $50,000 electric vehicle. Thanks to the Albanese Government’s leadership, two and a half times more EVs are being sold this year than they were at this time last year.” 

Catherine King, the minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, also said that this is an opportunity to develop standards from international best practices whilst considering the unique needs of Australians. 

“It will send a strong message to the global car industry that when it comes to transport technology, Australia will no longer settle for less,” King said. 

If you have yet to test-drive an EV, why not book a test-drive today?