State Electric Vehicle incentives won’t gain traction without Federal plan
22nd November 2022: State Electric Vehicle incentives won’t gain traction without Federal plan
Clean transport advocates Solar Citizens today responds to news that only 239 Queenslanders have accessed the State Government’s $3000 electric vehicle (EV) rebate, stating that without strong Federal Fuel Efficiency Standards to unlock more affordable models, these measures won’t gain traction.
“The problem here is twofold – EVs are currently too expensive for the everyday Australian and there aren’t enough affordable varieties in the country. Both the State and Federal Governments do have incentives for EVs, but the reality is people can't use them if the Federal Government doesn't act to bring more affordable models to the country,” said Solar Citizens Clean Transport Campaigner, Ajaya Haikerwal.
“States like Queensland implemented their EV rebates after a lack of Federal leadership. But there are only seven EV models available in Australia eligible for the Queensland Government’s $3000 rebate, and most of those get snapped up in a matter of minutes online.
“The fact is that most Aussies buy second hand vehicles, and most of those cars come from fleets. And there simply aren’t enough EVs coming into the country for fleet operators to feasibly make the switch.
“The only policy that will enable a greater diversity of EVs to be imported into the country— including affordable models currently available in the EU and US— is a strong fuel efficiency standard starting no later than the 1st of January 2024.
“Most of the global light vehicle market has a fuel efficiency standard, meaning they’re in the express queue, getting the first pick of EVs from global automakers. We’re in another queue entirely, and it’s time we joined the rest of the world.
“Most state and territory governments like Queensland have put in a subsidy or rebate scheme for new EVs and are now calling for measures to address supply. They know that if we don’t address the supply issue then governments will fall short of their sales targets and emissions reductions targets.
“Ultimately, delaying action on a fuel efficiency standard will make the lives of Aussies harder, locking us into skyrocketing petrol prices and inefficient cars that burn more fuel. In a cost of living crisis, this is the last thing we need.
“The Federal Government has a golden opportunity off the back of the National EV Strategy Consultation to implement a fuel efficiency standard by the 1st of January 2024, signalling to global automakers that Australia is ready for EVs.”
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Media Contact: Ajaya Haikerwal (0400 723 324)
