BLUF
This article argues that by adopting European vehicle emission standards, the price of Australian purchased electric vehicles could fall, and the range of models increase.Summary
Electric vehicles (EV’s) are cheaper to run and maintain than internal combustion engine vehicles, yet Australia has one of the world’s lowest take-up rates. Key points:
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Second, to a home, a car is the most important purchase we make.
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10.6 year average age of our cars.
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Europe applies CO₂ emission performance standards—based on an average of what’s sold over each company’s entire range of vehicles.
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Cars are limited to an emission rate of 95 grams of carbon dioxide emitted per kilometre.
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Car companies decide how to reach the required standard—by selling more low-emission and less high emission conventionally-powered cars or sell more EV’s.
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Discounted EV’s are used to get average emissions down.
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From 2025 standards get tougher.
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Canada, China, India, Japan, Korea, Mexico and the United States have similar standards.
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Without standards, Australia is an unattractive market, so EV’s cost more, and higher polluting cars are more likely to be imported.
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Adopting EU standards is supported by the Business Council and petrol refiners.
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Less reliance on hydrocarbons might also be in Australia’s long-term strategic interests (ed),
References
- Mar 2021 the Guardian Australia lags the world on electric vehicle choice and it's hurting take-up, industry says
- Jun 2021 the Driven What is Australia’s problem with electric vehicles?
- Nov 2021 ABC News How much are electric vehicle subsidies in Australia and around the world?
