Today, Australia got its first, National Electric Vehicle Strategy. A federal approach to accelerating our transition to EVs has been sorely missing, however this has been addressed by a 56-page NEVS, released by The Hon Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy. and The Hon Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.
This announcement should serve as a massive callout to those automakers who produce electric vehicles, that Australia is ready and waiting for you to increase supply to our country.
One of the most significant aspects of the strategy is to introduce fuel efficiency standards, along with increase in supply, deployment of more charging infrastructure and Government fleet purchasing.
There are 3 main objectives outlined in the plan:
Objective 1 – Supply – Increase supply of affordable and accessible EVs.
New and existing initiatives:
- Developing Australia’s first Fuel Efficiency Standard for new light vehicles
- Preparing for a recycling, reuse and stewardship initiative for EV and other large-format batteries
- State and territory EV fleet targets, incentives, and commitments – like the Queensland Government’s target for 50% of new passenger vehicle sales to be zero emissions by 2030 and 100% by 2036. (Further information on other state and territory initiatives is available at Appendix B.)
- Net Zero Australian Public Service by 2030, including 75% low emissions vehicles for Commonwealth fleet new passenger vehicle purchases and leases by 2025
- The Australian Made Battery Plan, National Reconstruction Fund, and Critical Minerals Strategy.
Objective 2 – Systems and infrastructure – Establish the resources, systems and infrastructure to enable rapid EV uptake.
New and existing initiatives:
- Developing a national mapping tool to support optimal investment in – and deployment of – EV charging infrastructure
- Tools and guidance to enable EV uptake for residents of existing multi-residential buildings
- Funding to support world-leading EV guidance, demonstrations, and training for emergency service workers
- National network of 117 EV chargers on major highways at an average interval of 150 km, delivered in partnership with NRMA
- State and territory EV infrastructure and charging investments – like the WA Government’s $22.9 million investment to install almost 100 charging stations at 49 locations. (Further information on other state and territory initiatives is available at Appendix B.)
- $500 million Driving the Nation Fund
- New Energy Apprenticeships and New Energy Skills Program
- Commonwealth, state and territory collaboration to ready the electricity grid for EV uptake.
Objective 3 – Demand – Encourage increase in EV demand.
New and existing initiatives:
- Electric Car Discount amendments to fringe benefit tax and import duty
- State and territory EV purchasing incentives and subsidies – like the ACT Government’s zero-interest loans for up to $15,000. (Further information on other state and territory initiatives is available at Appendix B.)
- $20.5 million CEFC green car loans.
Update
Below is a video breakdown of the announcement today.
Update 2
As expected, there’s been quite a lot of reaction to the release of an Australian EV strategy.
You can read the full National Electric Vehicle Strategy here [PDF] – https://www.dcceew.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/national-electric-vehicle-strategy.pdf
