The FCAI has acknowledged the release of the Federal Government’s $250 million ‘Future Fuels and Vehicles Strategy’ which includes $178 million to support the development of electric vehicle and hydrogen infrastructure.
FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said the Federal funding was a welcome step in encouraging the uptake of low-emission vehicles.
“This move from the Federal Government will assist in providing the infrastructure Australia urgently needs to support more electric vehicles on our roads,” Mr Weber said.
However, the FCAI believes the Federal Government has missed an opportunity to apply a vehicle emissions standard that will set a clear target for addressing the objective of emissions reduction in the Australian economy and provide real momentum to reduce vehicle CO2 emissions.
“Governments should focus on setting targets, not trying to pick winners through specific technology,” Mr Weber said.
“The availability of EVs in Australia is increasing as car manufacturers respond to growing demand, however the reality is that they still account for less than one percent of total vehicle sales year to date.”
“This means that the Government’s target for EVs to be 30% of new vehicle sales by 2030 is extremely optimistic.”
“We strongly urge the Government to adopt the FCAI’s existing voluntary emissions standard which sets a clear pathway towards lower CO2 emissions across the entire passenger and light commercial fleet through to 2030.“
“Around the world, emissions targets are a clear sign of a governments intent to reduce emissions and sends a positive signal to automotive
manufacturers to provide more electric powered vehicles to those markets. This is exactly what is needed in Australia.” Mr Weber said.