Federal Electric Vehicle strategy released
The Australian federal government has released its first electric vehicle strategy and outlined how it plans to remove barriers to buying EVs.
The three focus areas for the government are
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- the supply of EVs;
- the systems and infrastructure needed to support EV uptake;
- demand from drivers for EVs.
According to the strategy, there are six expected outcomes:
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- a greater choice of EVs;
- a reduction in transport emissions;
- increasing ease of charging EVs nationally;
- an increase in local manufacturing and recycling of materials;
- making EVs more affordable;
- making it cheaper for people to run their vehicles.
The other key pillar of the strategy is the plan to introduce a fuel efficiency standard, which requires car makers to meet certain emissions limits for their entire fleet or else face penalties.
Eligible motorists in Queensland can now apply for a $6000 rebate on the purchase of any new sub-$68,000 electric car – the most generous subsidy of any Australian state or territory.