MTAA voices support for National Electric Vehicle Strategy

The Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) has welcomed the federal government’s release of the National Electric Vehicle Strategy. The roadmap is designed to ensure better choice of electric vehicles for Australian consumers, along with creating more and improved options for buyers of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

The strategy includes the introduction of a Fuel Efficiency Standard which will outline how much carbon dioxide a vehicle produces. The aim will be to incentivise consumers to use more fuel-efficient ICE vehicles. MTAA interim CEO Geoff Gwilym said implementing the scheme could mean a greater choice of fuel-efficient vehicles in the Australian fleet, some of which are currently unavailable in Australia because they are diverted to other, more accepting, markets.

“The federal government has announced it will work with industry and the community to finalise details for the Fuel Efficiency Standard. MTAA and its state and territory members stand ready to consult on this issue,” Gwilym said.

According to government figures, Australian new cars use 40% more fuel than equivalent vehicles in the European Union, 20% more than in the USA and 15% more than in New Zealand. Australia also lags behind the rest of the world in EV take-up.

“The Albanese government says the introduction of the Fuel Efficiency Standard could save Australian motorists $519 per year in fuel costs. Consumers will welcome that and we welcome it, too. MTAA looks forward to the government keeping the promises announced in the National Electric Vehicle Strategy and stands ready to assist in its implementation,” Gwilym said.

Gwilym said that the industry also requires robust training for technicians and first responders to ensure safety and quality repairs and maintenance. “There is much to do: decreasing barriers to purchasing EVs, vastly increasing the availability of charging stations and networks, and tightening fuel efficiency thresholds for new vehicles. This can all be done and, when it is, Australia will be a better place,” he said.

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