Though coming in late to the race, Australia is finally on board with the idea of fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

Just last week, the federal government announced they would be introducing a Fuel Efficiency Standard in Australia by the end of this year. There had been a draft in the works for a long time, and now it’s finally seeing the light of day.

The Albanese government will impose a Fuel Efficiency Standard on new cars as part of a new strategy to encourage hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) uptake and cut 3M tonnes of carbon emissions by 2030. The government is set to introduce a draft of the document by the end of the year.

This decision was backed by many organisations, including the NRMA, who agreed that the move would help provide greater access and affordability to lower or zero-emission vehicles.

Rohan Lund, CEO of NRMA Group, said in a statement: ‘It is the NRMA’s view that if we adopt sensible standards, we can give more choice to Australians looking to buy affordable, fuel-efficient vehicles – while at the same reducing our reliance on imported fuel and delivering a meaningful reduction in carbon emissions.’

The Fuel Efficiency Standard could reduce transport emissions. Credit: Mike B/Pexels

However, despite numerous reviews, this latest strategy does not include new targets for hybrid or electric vehicle uptake or what the standard should look like.

It was reported that another consultation process would decide the specifics over the next year.

Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said that the government’s EV policy would ‘provide greater choice for Australians to drive cars that are cleaner and cheaper to run’.

‘Fuel efficiency standards would require more affordable electric vehicles to be sent to Australia,’ the minister shared in a recent press conference.

He added that car company executives told him they could not ‘convince’ their global boards to send more fuel-efficient vehicles to Australia because of the lack of policy.

‘In other countries, there’s a much bigger range of electric vehicles available for people. We want people of all walks of life, regardless of their income, to have the chance to consider buying an electric vehicle,’ he continued.

The new strategy could improve accessibility for those who want to drive cars that are cleaner and cheaper to run. Credit: InstaWalli/Pexels

On average, newer cars in Australia use 40 per cent more fuel than the European Union, 20 per cent more than the United States, and 15 per cent more than New Zealand.

The strategy claims that introducing a standard for fuel efficiency would encourage car manufacturers to supply more eco-friendly cars to the country.

Behyad Jafari, Chief Executive of the Electric Vehicle Council, said: ‘The technology continues to improve, and electric vehicles around the world are available in more segments, like utes and more SUVs or cheaper electric vehicles, but often they're just not brought to Australia.’

Manufacturers who fail to meet the carbon emissions cap will face fines.

This comes after reports that drivers could be, unknowingly, breaking a little-known road rule. The fines are heavy as well; drivers in certain states could face penalties as high as $3,200 and up to 20 penalty points. You can read more on this here.

Although several initiatives have already been introduced, such as 117 EV chargers on major highways, New Energy Apprenticeships, and New Energy Skills Programs, the recent announcement includes elements to make EVs more accessible. These include:

• Having a Fuel Efficiency Standard;
• More and more accessible charging infrastructure, including for those living in multi-level buildings;
• Moves to support battery recycling; and
• Funding to support EV guidance, demonstrations, and training for emergency workers.

Additionally, there are some undisclosed details about the strategy that brought up more questions from leading experts.

Professor Peter Newman from the Sustainability Policy Institute at Curtin University said: ‘For the most part, the strategy is good news, and it’s a big day when we can say we have hastened the end of oil. However, it also misses a few opportunities, such as not setting a phase-out date for petrol and diesel vehicles.’

He added that the strategy didn’t mention whether electric bikes and trackless trams have also been ‘given due attention’. ‘These are often overlooked in favour of electric cars, despite being an important piece of the sustainability puzzle,’ he continued.

Although these components haven’t been discussed in detail, the strategy does mention promoting electric transport to help reduce carbon emissions.

Currently, only Australia, Russia, Turkey and Indonesia are the only developed countries without a standard in place.

Cars and light commercial vehicles such as buses alone are over 10 per cent of Australia’s total emissions. However, electric vehicles could contribute to the country reaching net zero by 2050.

Key Takeaways

• Australia's federal government is committed to introducing a Fuel Efficiency Standard, with a draft to be prepared by the end of the year.
• The introduction of the standard will encourage car manufacturers to supply more environmentally friendly cars that require little or zero fuel in Australia.
• Manufacturers that fail to meet their carbon emissions cap will face fines.
• Although many support the strategy, some elements are missing, such as not setting a phase-out date for petrol and diesel vehicles, focusing on electric bikes and electric trackless trams, and lacking detail on purchasing electric buses and other light vehicles.

Members, what do you think? Do you support this move? Let us know in the comments below!

 

[Baz1960]

Though coming in late to the race, Australia is finally on board with the idea of fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

Just last week, the federal government announced they would be introducing a Fuel Efficiency Standard in Australia by the end of this year. There had been a draft in the works for a long time, and now it’s finally seeing the light of day.

The Albanese government will impose a Fuel Efficiency Standard on new cars as part of a new strategy to encourage hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) uptake and cut 3M tonnes of carbon emissions by 2030. The government is set to introduce a draft of the document by the end of the year.

This decision was backed by many organisations, including the NRMA, who agreed that the move would help provide greater access and affordability to lower or zero-emission vehicles.

Rohan Lund, CEO of NRMA Group, said in a statement: ‘It is the NRMA’s view that if we adopt sensible standards, we can give more choice to Australians looking to buy affordable, fuel-efficient vehicles – while at the same reducing our reliance on imported fuel and delivering a meaningful reduction in carbon emissions.’

View attachment 17860

The Fuel Efficiency Standard could reduce transport emissions. Credit: Mike B/Pexels

However, despite numerous reviews, this latest strategy does not include new targets for hybrid or electric vehicle uptake or what the standard should look like.

It was reported that another consultation process would decide the specifics over the next year.

Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said that the government’s EV policy would ‘provide greater choice for Australians to drive cars that are cleaner and cheaper to run’.

‘Fuel efficiency standards would require more affordable electric vehicles to be sent to Australia,’ the minister shared in a recent press conference.

He added that car company executives told him they could not ‘convince’ their global boards to send more fuel-efficient vehicles to Australia because of the lack of policy.

‘In other countries, there’s a much bigger range of electric vehicles available for people. We want people of all walks of life, regardless of their income, to have the chance to consider buying an electric vehicle,’ he continued.

View attachment 17861

The new strategy could improve accessibility for those who want to drive cars that are cleaner and cheaper to run. Credit: InstaWalli/Pexels

On average, newer cars in Australia use 40 per cent more fuel than the European Union, 20 per cent more than the United States, and 15 per cent more than New Zealand.

The strategy claims that introducing a standard for fuel efficiency would encourage car manufacturers to supply more eco-friendly cars to the country.

Behyad Jafari, Chief Executive of the Electric Vehicle Council, said: ‘The technology continues to improve, and electric vehicles around the world are available in more segments, like utes and more SUVs or cheaper electric vehicles, but often they're just not brought to Australia.’

Manufacturers who fail to meet the carbon emissions cap will face fines.

This comes after reports that drivers could be, unknowingly, breaking a little-known road rule. The fines are heavy as well; drivers in certain states could face penalties as high as $3,200 and up to 20 penalty points. You can read more on this here.

Although several initiatives have already been introduced, such as 117 EV chargers on major highways, New Energy Apprenticeships, and New Energy Skills Programs, the recent announcement includes elements to make EVs more accessible. These include:

• Having a Fuel Efficiency Standard;
• More and more accessible charging infrastructure, including for those living in multi-level buildings;
• Moves to support battery recycling; and
• Funding to support EV guidance, demonstrations, and training for emergency workers.

Additionally, there are some undisclosed details about the strategy that brought up more questions from leading experts.

Professor Peter Newman from the Sustainability Policy Institute at Curtin University said: ‘For the most part, the strategy is good news, and it’s a big day when we can say we have hastened the end of oil. However, it also misses a few opportunities, such as not setting a phase-out date for petrol and diesel vehicles.’

He added that the strategy didn’t mention whether electric bikes and trackless trams have also been ‘given due attention’. ‘These are often overlooked in favour of electric cars, despite being an important piece of the sustainability puzzle,’ he continued.

Although these components haven’t been discussed in detail, the strategy does mention promoting electric transport to help reduce carbon emissions.

Currently, only Australia, Russia, Turkey and Indonesia are the only developed countries without a standard in place.

Cars and light commercial vehicles such as buses alone are over 10 per cent of Australia’s total emissions. However, electric vehicles could contribute to the country reaching net zero by 2050.

Key Takeaways

• Australia's federal government is committed to introducing a Fuel Efficiency Standard, with a draft to be prepared by the end of the year.
• The introduction of the standard will encourage car manufacturers to supply more environmentally friendly cars that require little or zero fuel in Australia.
• Manufacturers that fail to meet their carbon emissions cap will face fines.
• Although many support the strategy, some elements are missing, such as not setting a phase-out date for petrol and diesel vehicles, focusing on electric bikes and electric trackless trams, and lacking detail on purchasing electric buses and other light vehicles.

Members, what do you think? Do you support this move? Let us know in the comments below!

I hope these standards are challenged. Electric motors are fantastic. However, not in a lot of applications. As far as emissions go.. yes, not tailpipe. But the emissions are incredible in the manufacturing processes. Yes, it takes a deep dive to discover what all this means. We already have a whole new industry that is producing emissions to create emission free. I know I'll be howled down. But the marketing to our belief systems has been very overwhelming. Solar panels and wind turbines already past their use by date and are being buried, because they can't be recycled. Another debate is the resources needed to recycle. Another huge emissions expenditure. Keep well and enjoy anyhows

 

[Ian Crane-Luff]

I hope these standards are challenged. Electric motors are fantastic. However, not in a lot of applications. As far as emissions go.. yes, not tailpipe. But the emissions are incredible in the manufacturing processes. Yes, it takes a deep dive to discover what all this means. We already have a whole new industry that is producing emissions to create emission free. I know I'll be howled down. But the marketing to our belief systems has been very overwhelming. Solar panels and wind turbines already past their use by date and are being buried, because they can't be recycled. Another debate is the resources needed to recycle. Another huge emissions expenditure. Keep well and enjoy anyhows

Truly as you say they purposely ignore the huge environmental problems s made during the manufacture of EVs, more so than ICEs, as far as recycling solar panels I recently saw an article on TVV where a company claimed to make great strides as they say they can recycle the alloy frames, big deal.

 

[Staffordshire Whippet]

What bloody "move"?
Quote:
"However, despite numerous reviews, this latest strategy does not include new targets for hybrid or electric vehicle uptake or what the standard should look like.
It was reported that another consultation process would decide the specifics over the next year." Unquote

In other words, as we have heard sooooooo many times from our Fearless Leader Palletjack (when she seeks to delay action on anything here in Queensland), "We're conducting a Studyyyyyy!"

Be assured, however, Dear Reader, that any "move" that comes from this will add to your costs, not lower them. You have been warned.

 

[Jest]

Though coming in late to the race, Australia is finally on board with the idea of fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

Just last week, the federal government announced they would be introducing a Fuel Efficiency Standard in Australia by the end of this year. There had been a draft in the works for a long time, and now it’s finally seeing the light of day.

The Albanese government will impose a Fuel Efficiency Standard on new cars as part of a new strategy to encourage hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) uptake and cut 3M tonnes of carbon emissions by 2030. The government is set to introduce a draft of the document by the end of the year.

This decision was backed by many organisations, including the NRMA, who agreed that the move would help provide greater access and affordability to lower or zero-emission vehicles.

Rohan Lund, CEO of NRMA Group, said in a statement: ‘It is the NRMA’s view that if we adopt sensible standards, we can give more choice to Australians looking to buy affordable, fuel-efficient vehicles – while at the same reducing our reliance on imported fuel and delivering a meaningful reduction in carbon emissions.’

View attachment 17860

The Fuel Efficiency Standard could reduce transport emissions. Credit: Mike B/Pexels

However, despite numerous reviews, this latest strategy does not include new targets for hybrid or electric vehicle uptake or what the standard should look like.

It was reported that another consultation process would decide the specifics over the next year.

Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said that the government’s EV policy would ‘provide greater choice for Australians to drive cars that are cleaner and cheaper to run’.

‘Fuel efficiency standards would require more affordable electric vehicles to be sent to Australia,’ the minister shared in a recent press conference.

He added that car company executives told him they could not ‘convince’ their global boards to send more fuel-efficient vehicles to Australia because of the lack of policy.

‘In other countries, there’s a much bigger range of electric vehicles available for people. We want people of all walks of life, regardless of their income, to have the chance to consider buying an electric vehicle,’ he continued.

View attachment 17861

The new strategy could improve accessibility for those who want to drive cars that are cleaner and cheaper to run. Credit: InstaWalli/Pexels

On average, newer cars in Australia use 40 per cent more fuel than the European Union, 20 per cent more than the United States, and 15 per cent more than New Zealand.

The strategy claims that introducing a standard for fuel efficiency would encourage car manufacturers to supply more eco-friendly cars to the country.

Behyad Jafari, Chief Executive of the Electric Vehicle Council, said: ‘The technology continues to improve, and electric vehicles around the world are available in more segments, like utes and more SUVs or cheaper electric vehicles, but often they're just not brought to Australia.’

Manufacturers who fail to meet the carbon emissions cap will face fines.

This comes after reports that drivers could be, unknowingly, breaking a little-known road rule. The fines are heavy as well; drivers in certain states could face penalties as high as $3,200 and up to 20 penalty points. You can read more on this here.

Although several initiatives have already been introduced, such as 117 EV chargers on major highways, New Energy Apprenticeships, and New Energy Skills Programs, the recent announcement includes elements to make EVs more accessible. These include:

• Having a Fuel Efficiency Standard;
• More and more accessible charging infrastructure, including for those living in multi-level buildings;
• Moves to support battery recycling; and
• Funding to support EV guidance, demonstrations, and training for emergency workers.

Additionally, there are some undisclosed details about the strategy that brought up more questions from leading experts.

Professor Peter Newman from the Sustainability Policy Institute at Curtin University said: ‘For the most part, the strategy is good news, and it’s a big day when we can say we have hastened the end of oil. However, it also misses a few opportunities, such as not setting a phase-out date for petrol and diesel vehicles.’

He added that the strategy didn’t mention whether electric bikes and trackless trams have also been ‘given due attention’. ‘These are often overlooked in favour of electric cars, despite being an important piece of the sustainability puzzle,’ he continued.

Although these components haven’t been discussed in detail, the strategy does mention promoting electric transport to help reduce carbon emissions.

Currently, only Australia, Russia, Turkey and Indonesia are the only developed countries without a standard in place.

Cars and light commercial vehicles such as buses alone are over 10 per cent of Australia’s total emissions. However, electric vehicles could contribute to the country reaching net zero by 2050.

Key Takeaways

• Australia's federal government is committed to introducing a Fuel Efficiency Standard, with a draft to be prepared by the end of the year.
• The introduction of the standard will encourage car manufacturers to supply more environmentally friendly cars that require little or zero fuel in Australia.
• Manufacturers that fail to meet their carbon emissions cap will face fines.
• Although many support the strategy, some elements are missing, such as not setting a phase-out date for petrol and diesel vehicles, focusing on electric bikes and electric trackless trams, and lacking detail on purchasing electric buses and other light vehicles.

Members, what do you think? Do you support this move? Let us know in the comments below!

Draft or Daft. I will stick to DAFT

 

[Graham12]

Though coming in late to the race, Australia is finally on board with the idea of fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

Just last week, the federal government announced they would be introducing a Fuel Efficiency Standard in Australia by the end of this year. There had been a draft in the works for a long time, and now it’s finally seeing the light of day.

The Albanese government will impose a Fuel Efficiency Standard on new cars as part of a new strategy to encourage hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) uptake and cut 3M tonnes of carbon emissions by 2030. The government is set to introduce a draft of the document by the end of the year.

This decision was backed by many organisations, including the NRMA, who agreed that the move would help provide greater access and affordability to lower or zero-emission vehicles.

Rohan Lund, CEO of NRMA Group, said in a statement: ‘It is the NRMA’s view that if we adopt sensible standards, we can give more choice to Australians looking to buy affordable, fuel-efficient vehicles – while at the same reducing our reliance on imported fuel and delivering a meaningful reduction in carbon emissions.’

View attachment 17860

The Fuel Efficiency Standard could reduce transport emissions. Credit: Mike B/Pexels

However, despite numerous reviews, this latest strategy does not include new targets for hybrid or electric vehicle uptake or what the standard should look like.

It was reported that another consultation process would decide the specifics over the next year.

Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said that the government’s EV policy would ‘provide greater choice for Australians to drive cars that are cleaner and cheaper to run’.

‘Fuel efficiency standards would require more affordable electric vehicles to be sent to Australia,’ the minister shared in a recent press conference.

He added that car company executives told him they could not ‘convince’ their global boards to send more fuel-efficient vehicles to Australia because of the lack of policy.

‘In other countries, there’s a much bigger range of electric vehicles available for people. We want people of all walks of life, regardless of their income, to have the chance to consider buying an electric vehicle,’ he continued.

View attachment 17861

The new strategy could improve accessibility for those who want to drive cars that are cleaner and cheaper to run. Credit: InstaWalli/Pexels

On average, newer cars in Australia use 40 per cent more fuel than the European Union, 20 per cent more than the United States, and 15 per cent more than New Zealand.

The strategy claims that introducing a standard for fuel efficiency would encourage car manufacturers to supply more eco-friendly cars to the country.

Behyad Jafari, Chief Executive of the Electric Vehicle Council, said: ‘The technology continues to improve, and electric vehicles around the world are available in more segments, like utes and more SUVs or cheaper electric vehicles, but often they're just not brought to Australia.’

Manufacturers who fail to meet the carbon emissions cap will face fines.

This comes after reports that drivers could be, unknowingly, breaking a little-known road rule. The fines are heavy as well; drivers in certain states could face penalties as high as $3,200 and up to 20 penalty points. You can read more on this here.

Although several initiatives have already been introduced, such as 117 EV chargers on major highways, New Energy Apprenticeships, and New Energy Skills Programs, the recent announcement includes elements to make EVs more accessible. These include:

• Having a Fuel Efficiency Standard;
• More and more accessible charging infrastructure, including for those living in multi-level buildings;
• Moves to support battery recycling; and
• Funding to support EV guidance, demonstrations, and training for emergency workers.

Additionally, there are some undisclosed details about the strategy that brought up more questions from leading experts.

Professor Peter Newman from the Sustainability Policy Institute at Curtin University said: ‘For the most part, the strategy is good news, and it’s a big day when we can say we have hastened the end of oil. However, it also misses a few opportunities, such as not setting a phase-out date for petrol and diesel vehicles.’

He added that the strategy didn’t mention whether electric bikes and trackless trams have also been ‘given due attention’. ‘These are often overlooked in favour of electric cars, despite being an important piece of the sustainability puzzle,’ he continued.

Although these components haven’t been discussed in detail, the strategy does mention promoting electric transport to help reduce carbon emissions.

Currently, only Australia, Russia, Turkey and Indonesia are the only developed countries without a standard in place.

Cars and light commercial vehicles such as buses alone are over 10 per cent of Australia’s total emissions. However, electric vehicles could contribute to the country reaching net zero by 2050.

Key Takeaways

• Australia's federal government is committed to introducing a Fuel Efficiency Standard, with a draft to be prepared by the end of the year.
• The introduction of the standard will encourage car manufacturers to supply more environmentally friendly cars that require little or zero fuel in Australia.
• Manufacturers that fail to meet their carbon emissions cap will face fines.
• Although many support the strategy, some elements are missing, such as not setting a phase-out date for petrol and diesel vehicles, focusing on electric bikes and electric trackless trams, and lacking detail on purchasing electric buses and other light vehicles.

Members, what do you think? Do you support this move? Let us know in the comments below!

"Decarbonisation"? You really mean CO2 which is an odourless colourless gas that is vital in photosynthesis and plant growth. CO2 has little to do with climate change. Climate is not linear and continuing to rise. It is cyclical and has been observed by NASA to be static for the last 7 years and now reducing. NASA reports that global foliage growth is strong and giving good productivity in agriculture. Check Ian Plimer "Green Murder" or Dr Jeanette Marohasy "Climate Change 2020 the facts"

 

[Bill MacL]

I hope these standards are challenged. Electric motors are fantastic. However, not in a lot of applications. As far as emissions go.. yes, not tailpipe. But the emissions are incredible in the manufacturing processes. Yes, it takes a deep dive to discover what all this means. We already have a whole new industry that is producing emissions to create emission free. I know I'll be howled down. But the marketing to our belief systems has been very overwhelming. Solar panels and wind turbines already past their use by date and are being buried, because they can't be recycled. Another debate is the resources needed to recycle. Another huge emissions expenditure. Keep well and enjoy anyhows

Australia's Pollution contribution is like a needle in a haystack. Our country is bigger than North America; bigger than South East Asia; bigger than most of Europe and China, we have less than 35 Million people all those other countries combined have around two thirds of the whole world's population, that's six Billion people. Most of the resources needed to manufacture all the products haven't even been found yet, Companies all over the world are still searching for, let alone digging them out of the ground, then they have to be made into the various components/materials. It's going to be a long time before there is any noticeable difference and it IS going to be expensive.

 

[Greatgwr]

Enough with the environmental negativity its so easy to find a negative.
My reason for going solar and electric/hybrid vehicle is all about MONEY!!!!
Pension = $802.00 / fortnight, electricity cost = $11.32/ fortnight, fuel costs / fortnight = $18.33 (average Kms 800), Water, sewerage/fortnight=$0.00 (rainwater/septic) TOTAL UTILITY costs/fortnight = $29.56 LEAVING $772.44 for food and anything else I want including "SAVINGS"
Having said all that its nice not to pollute the air that I breath.

 

[goggo]

Draft or Daft. I will stick to DAFT

my vehicle runs on gas exaust is mainly water no polution

 

[SGH]

When they manage to get batteries that allow you to travel more then 400km and do it through the Simpson desert in summer without the chance of them blowing up, I might consider an EV

Transporting Electric Vehicles​

And there was some interesting reporting in the press the other day that Australian parking stations may need to have their floors strengthened as increasing numbers of EVs (with their very heavy batteries) will put inordinate stress on the floor levels.

According to the Norwegian Road Federation, 138,265 electric cars were sold last year, representing 79.3% of total passenger car sales — up from 65% the year before. At this rate, Norway looks set to achieve near 100% EV sales before 2025.

Looks like Norwegians will have to find another way to avoid Ferries.

January 20, 2023

The Norwegian shipping company, Havila Kystruten, has banned electric, hybrid, and hydrogen cars from its ferries. After a risk analysis, it was concluded that the risk to the safety of the shipping fleet was too significant. If a vehicle catches fire, the fire can no longer be extinguished.

The risks for ships from the transport of Electric cars (EV) have been discussed since the “Felicity Ace” sank off the Azores, Portugal, last February. E-vehicles on board had caught fire. The fire could not be extinguished. Finally, the colossal ship sank with thousands of electric cars, including Porsche and Bentley “green” vehicles.

Capt. Rahul Khanna, global head of marine consulting at Allianz (AGCS), a marine insurance specialist, explains that the problem with EVs is that lithium-ion batteries in the cars can actually propagate the fire, igniting more vigorously as compared to conventional cars. A single vehicle fire could prove catastrophic.

E-cars are a danger for ship passengers

According to a report by the TradeWinds shipping news service, Havila’s Chief executive Bent Martini said the risk analysis showed that the fire in an electric car required a particularly complex rescue operation. The crew on board could not afford this. Passengers would also be at risk. This is different for vehicles with combustion engines. A possible fire is usually easy to fight by the ship’s crew.

After the sinking of the “Felicity Ace,” Greenpeace also warned against e-cars on ships: “In general, electronic components and especially electric vehicles pose a risk for every transport.”

 

[Chook]

Though coming in late to the race, Australia is finally on board with the idea of fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

Just last week, the federal government announced they would be introducing a Fuel Efficiency Standard in Australia by the end of this year. There had been a draft in the works for a long time, and now it’s finally seeing the light of day.

The Albanese government will impose a Fuel Efficiency Standard on new cars as part of a new strategy to encourage hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) uptake and cut 3M tonnes of carbon emissions by 2030. The government is set to introduce a draft of the document by the end of the year.

This decision was backed by many organisations, including the NRMA, who agreed that the move would help provide greater access and affordability to lower or zero-emission vehicles.

Rohan Lund, CEO of NRMA Group, said in a statement: ‘It is the NRMA’s view that if we adopt sensible standards, we can give more choice to Australians looking to buy affordable, fuel-efficient vehicles – while at the same reducing our reliance on imported fuel and delivering a meaningful reduction in carbon emissions.’

View attachment 17860

The Fuel Efficiency Standard could reduce transport emissions. Credit: Mike B/Pexels

However, despite numerous reviews, this latest strategy does not include new targets for hybrid or electric vehicle uptake or what the standard should look like.

It was reported that another consultation process would decide the specifics over the next year.

Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said that the government’s EV policy would ‘provide greater choice for Australians to drive cars that are cleaner and cheaper to run’.

‘Fuel efficiency standards would require more affordable electric vehicles to be sent to Australia,’ the minister shared in a recent press conference.

He added that car company executives told him they could not ‘convince’ their global boards to send more fuel-efficient vehicles to Australia because of the lack of policy.

‘In other countries, there’s a much bigger range of electric vehicles available for people. We want people of all walks of life, regardless of their income, to have the chance to consider buying an electric vehicle,’ he continued.

View attachment 17861

The new strategy could improve accessibility for those who want to drive cars that are cleaner and cheaper to run. Credit: InstaWalli/Pexels

On average, newer cars in Australia use 40 per cent more fuel than the European Union, 20 per cent more than the United States, and 15 per cent more than New Zealand.

The strategy claims that introducing a standard for fuel efficiency would encourage car manufacturers to supply more eco-friendly cars to the country.

Behyad Jafari, Chief Executive of the Electric Vehicle Council, said: ‘The technology continues to improve, and electric vehicles around the world are available in more segments, like utes and more SUVs or cheaper electric vehicles, but often they're just not brought to Australia.’

Manufacturers who fail to meet the carbon emissions cap will face fines.

This comes after reports that drivers could be, unknowingly, breaking a little-known road rule. The fines are heavy as well; drivers in certain states could face penalties as high as $3,200 and up to 20 penalty points. You can read more on this here.

Although several initiatives have already been introduced, such as 117 EV chargers on major highways, New Energy Apprenticeships, and New Energy Skills Programs, the recent announcement includes elements to make EVs more accessible. These include:

• Having a Fuel Efficiency Standard;
• More and more accessible charging infrastructure, including for those living in multi-level buildings;
• Moves to support battery recycling; and
• Funding to support EV guidance, demonstrations, and training for emergency workers.

Additionally, there are some undisclosed details about the strategy that brought up more questions from leading experts.

Professor Peter Newman from the Sustainability Policy Institute at Curtin University said: ‘For the most part, the strategy is good news, and it’s a big day when we can say we have hastened the end of oil. However, it also misses a few opportunities, such as not setting a phase-out date for petrol and diesel vehicles.’

He added that the strategy didn’t mention whether electric bikes and trackless trams have also been ‘given due attention’. ‘These are often overlooked in favour of electric cars, despite being an important piece of the sustainability puzzle,’ he continued.

Although these components haven’t been discussed in detail, the strategy does mention promoting electric transport to help reduce carbon emissions.

Currently, only Australia, Russia, Turkey and Indonesia are the only developed countries without a standard in place.

Cars and light commercial vehicles such as buses alone are over 10 per cent of Australia’s total emissions. However, electric vehicles could contribute to the country reaching net zero by 2050.

Key Takeaways

• Australia's federal government is committed to introducing a Fuel Efficiency Standard, with a draft to be prepared by the end of the year.
• The introduction of the standard will encourage car manufacturers to supply more environmentally friendly cars that require little or zero fuel in Australia.
• Manufacturers that fail to meet their carbon emissions cap will face fines.
• Although many support the strategy, some elements are missing, such as not setting a phase-out date for petrol and diesel vehicles, focusing on electric bikes and electric trackless trams, and lacking detail on purchasing electric buses and other light vehicles.

Members, what do you think? Do you support this move? Let us know in the comments below!

Ist. I would expect Australians to draw more fuel etc. We travel further.
2nd. No one is mentioning the Batteries. Where do we take, and store, etc the old Batteries, and then, How much are the batteries new? At the moment One vehicle is 3K for one battery. Yes, you can buy 2nd hand for about $1500.
Govt should be telling the People who elected them the truth. Finally, can we travel to Darwin via Qld's top end, via Gibb River with EV Vehicle?

 

[Mindygirl12022]

Though coming in late to the race, Australia is finally on board with the idea of fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

Just last week, the federal government announced they would be introducing a Fuel Efficiency Standard in Australia by the end of this year. There had been a draft in the works for a long time, and now it’s finally seeing the light of day.

The Albanese government will impose a Fuel Efficiency Standard on new cars as part of a new strategy to encourage hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) uptake and cut 3M tonnes of carbon emissions by 2030. The government is set to introduce a draft of the document by the end of the year.

This decision was backed by many organisations, including the NRMA, who agreed that the move would help provide greater access and affordability to lower or zero-emission vehicles.

Rohan Lund, CEO of NRMA Group, said in a statement: ‘It is the NRMA’s view that if we adopt sensible standards, we can give more choice to Australians looking to buy affordable, fuel-efficient vehicles – while at the same reducing our reliance on imported fuel and delivering a meaningful reduction in carbon emissions.’

View attachment 17860

The Fuel Efficiency Standard could reduce transport emissions. Credit: Mike B/Pexels

However, despite numerous reviews, this latest strategy does not include new targets for hybrid or electric vehicle uptake or what the standard should look like.

It was reported that another consultation process would decide the specifics over the next year.

Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said that the government’s EV policy would ‘provide greater choice for Australians to drive cars that are cleaner and cheaper to run’.

‘Fuel efficiency standards would require more affordable electric vehicles to be sent to Australia,’ the minister shared in a recent press conference.

He added that car company executives told him they could not ‘convince’ their global boards to send more fuel-efficient vehicles to Australia because of the lack of policy.

‘In other countries, there’s a much bigger range of electric vehicles available for people. We want people of all walks of life, regardless of their income, to have the chance to consider buying an electric vehicle,’ he continued.

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The new strategy could improve accessibility for those who want to drive cars that are cleaner and cheaper to run. Credit: InstaWalli/Pexels

On average, newer cars in Australia use 40 per cent more fuel than the European Union, 20 per cent more than the United States, and 15 per cent more than New Zealand.

The strategy claims that introducing a standard for fuel efficiency would encourage car manufacturers to supply more eco-friendly cars to the country.

Behyad Jafari, Chief Executive of the Electric Vehicle Council, said: ‘The technology continues to improve, and electric vehicles around the world are available in more segments, like utes and more SUVs or cheaper electric vehicles, but often they're just not brought to Australia.’

Manufacturers who fail to meet the carbon emissions cap will face fines.

This comes after reports that drivers could be, unknowingly, breaking a little-known road rule. The fines are heavy as well; drivers in certain states could face penalties as high as $3,200 and up to 20 penalty points. You can read more on this here.

Although several initiatives have already been introduced, such as 117 EV chargers on major highways, New Energy Apprenticeships, and New Energy Skills Programs, the recent announcement includes elements to make EVs more accessible. These include:

• Having a Fuel Efficiency Standard;
• More and more accessible charging infrastructure, including for those living in multi-level buildings;
• Moves to support battery recycling; and
• Funding to support EV guidance, demonstrations, and training for emergency workers.

Additionally, there are some undisclosed details about the strategy that brought up more questions from leading experts.

Professor Peter Newman from the Sustainability Policy Institute at Curtin University said: ‘For the most part, the strategy is good news, and it’s a big day when we can say we have hastened the end of oil. However, it also misses a few opportunities, such as not setting a phase-out date for petrol and diesel vehicles.’

He added that the strategy didn’t mention whether electric bikes and trackless trams have also been ‘given due attention’. ‘These are often overlooked in favour of electric cars, despite being an important piece of the sustainability puzzle,’ he continued.

Although these components haven’t been discussed in detail, the strategy does mention promoting electric transport to help reduce carbon emissions.

Currently, only Australia, Russia, Turkey and Indonesia are the only developed countries without a standard in place.

Cars and light commercial vehicles such as buses alone are over 10 per cent of Australia’s total emissions. However, electric vehicles could contribute to the country reaching net zero by 2050.

Key Takeaways

• Australia's federal government is committed to introducing a Fuel Efficiency Standard, with a draft to be prepared by the end of the year.
• The introduction of the standard will encourage car manufacturers to supply more environmentally friendly cars that require little or zero fuel in Australia.
• Manufacturers that fail to meet their carbon emissions cap will face fines.
• Although many support the strategy, some elements are missing, such as not setting a phase-out date for petrol and diesel vehicles, focusing on electric bikes and electric trackless trams, and lacking detail on purchasing electric buses and other light vehicles.

Members, what do you think? Do you support this move? Let us know in the comments below!

Electric cars are all very well, but for the average person to afford these they will have to reduce their prices.

 

[Baz1960]

Australia's Pollution contribution is like a needle in a haystack. Our country is bigger than North America; bigger than South East Asia; bigger than most of Europe and China, we have less than 35 Million people all those other countries combined have around two thirds of the whole world's population, that's six Billion people. Most of the resources needed to manufacture all the products haven't even been found yet, Companies all over the world are still searching for, let alone digging them out of the ground, then they have to be made into the various components/materials. It's going to be a long time before there is any noticeable difference and it IS going

Electric cars are all very well, but for the average person to afford these they will have to reduce their prices.

Are they "all very well" though?