Discover how new fuel-efficiency standards will help Australian drivers save hundreds of dollars!

Australia is finally catching up with the rest of the developed nations by introducing new fuel efficiency standards.

This recent move by the federal government could save Australians up to $1,000 a year in fuel costs, a significant relief for many households.



The unveiling of the preferred model by Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, signals a new era for the Australian automotive industry.

The new standards, which will apply to new passenger and light commercial vehicles, are expected to encourage car makers to sell more electric and fuel-efficient vehicles.

This move is seen to provide more choices to potential car buyers.


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The government is set to release new fuel-efficiency standards. Image source: Freepik.


If Australia matches the United States in average vehicle efficiency by 2028, drivers should save a lot per vehicle yearly, according to Bowen.

'Because of a lack of action on an Efficiency Standard, Australian families are paying around $1,000 a year more than they need to be for their annual fuel bill—the Albanese Government is delivering long-term cost-of-living relief to fix that for new vehicles and put money back in people's pockets,' Bowen said in a statement.



This move is not only beneficial for consumers' wallets but also for the environment, as it promotes the use of vehicles that emit less carbon dioxide.

The introduction of these standards is expected to save Australian motorists $100 billion in fuel costs by 2050.

'This is about ensuring Australian families and businesses can choose the latest and most efficient cars and utes, whether they're petrol and diesel engines, or hybrid, or electric,' Bowen added.

The move has been praised by climate groups and industry bodies, including the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC).



EVC Chief Executive Behyad Jafari said, 'This announcement from the Federal Government, when legislated, will give Australians a greater choice for the cars they want and put money back in their pockets through lower fuel bills.'

'Within a few short years, it will mean the average family will not have to spend as much on imported petrol, which we know is hugely volatile on price.'

The new policy is expected to end Australia's position at the back of the queue when it comes to the best and cheapest electric vehicles.

Car makers have been incentivised to offer their most efficient vehicles elsewhere first, but this should change with the introduction of the new standards.

'That should end now with this policy, and Australian car buyers should notice the change very quickly,' Jafari added.

The government will consult on the preferred model for a month and introduce the legislation as soon as possible.

The new cost-saving rules are expected to come into effect by January 1, 2025.
Key Takeaways
  • Australians could potentially save up to $1,000 annually on fuel costs with the new fuel efficiency standards set by the government.
  • The new standards encourage car manufacturers to offer more electric and fuel-efficient vehicles in the Australian market.
  • If the country achieves the same vehicle efficiency as the United States by 2028, significant savings on fuel are expected for drivers.
  • Climate groups and the Electric Vehicle Council have lauded the Federal Government's move, with expectations that it will offer Australians greater vehicle choice and cost savings on fuel.
What do you think about these new fuel efficiency standards? Do you believe they will make a significant difference in your annual fuel costs? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
 
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Yet another "incentive" to assist those wealthy enough to afford new/electric cars....just like the solar rebates yes?
Who can afford all this, honestly!
Attempting to phase out the poor in society. That gap btwn rich & poor is getting bigger, middle class disappearing fast! :(
 
This Bowen yoyo is a pretty unimpressive character at the best of times, but this one is a blinder!
How many years, Dear Minister, will it take for Mr Average Car Buyer to break-even on this? I suggest "an infinite number", analogous to the "Infinite Number Of Monkeys at an Infinite Number of Typewriters", which in the case of the Policy Announcement might accurately describe its authorship?

Seriously, SDC? Why would you give this obvious puff-piece a second run? Have a look at the comments of your readers for the last five days.
 
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I don’t buy this idea. It’s one thing to switch to hybrid and ev technology but do we have the charging stations ready to go? Certainly not yet. How much will it cost to do this do we have the power to supply the increased demand for electricity to charge ev’s in numbers. Likely the ailing existing grid network will require additional upgrades.
And maintenance of ev’s is a consideration. Not cheap by all accounts. And how often will batteries need to be replaced?
Finally what will be the cost of recycling or disposing of dead batteries ? Who pays?
I believe more efficient and economical cars engines are a far more sensible way of saving money for consumers. Plus the fuel excise levy could be lowered.
Australia has plenty of oil and gas reserves so producing our own fuels makes sense AND gives us the security of self reliance.
EV’s are coming so let them come at their own pace. We do not have to rush a push towards them before fixing the infrastructure needed to support them.
 
This Bowen yoyo is a pretty unimpressive character at the best of times, but this one is a blinder!
How many years, Dear Minister, will it take for Mr Average Car Buyer to break-even on this? I suggest "an infinite number", analogous to the "Infinite Number Of Monkeys at an Infinite Number of Typewriters", which in the case of the Policy Announcement might accurately describe its authorship?
Nothing to do with. efficiency, stopping global warming, just elite wanting to control us. They will live high on the hog whilst we eat bugs and live in 15 minute cities and starve
 
Yet another "incentive" to assist those wealthy enough to afford new/electric cars....just like the solar rebates yes?
Who can afford all this, honestly!
Attempting to phase out the poor in society. That gap btwn rich & poor is getting bigger, middle class disappearing fast! :(
Yes unfortunately we fall into the ‘invisible’ bracket, wrong side of the great divide I’m afraid - so not too excited by this article
 
I don’t buy this idea. It’s one thing to switch to hybrid and ev technology but do we have the charging stations ready to go? Certainly not yet. How much will it cost to do this do we have the power to supply the increased demand for electricity to charge ev’s in numbers. Likely the ailing existing grid network will require additional upgrades.
And maintenance of ev’s is a consideration. Not cheap by all accounts. And how often will batteries need to be replaced?
Finally what will be the cost of recycling or disposing of dead batteries ? Who pays?
I believe more efficient and economical cars engines are a far more sensible way of saving money for consumers. Plus the fuel excise levy could be lowered.
Australia has plenty of oil and gas reserves so producing our own fuels makes sense AND gives us the security of self reliance.
EV’s are coming so let them come at their own pace. We do not have to rush a push towards them before fixing the infrastructure needed to support them.
Absolutely!!! No mention of the fuel excise levy being reduced which would help all Australians right now!
How do I we environmentally dispose of all the batteries that are in EVERYTHING now and what cost to the planet
 
Has anyone here done the trek up the NSW north coast during the school holidays? Have you seen how busy the petrol pumps are and how long you often have to queue?

Imagine that with a majority of electric vehicles. The amount of chargers needed and the time you have to wait for those in front to take their turn!

This is just another trick bribe from the green brigade.
 

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