Australia finally has a national electric vehicle strategy.However, long overdue mandatory fuel efficiency standards still haven't been legislated.
And there are 5 notable omissions from the EV strategy:1. Electric bikes and scooters barely rate a mention. These are some of the most affordable and rapidly deployable forms of e-transport that are now available.
2. The strategy also doesn’t set any Vehicle to Grid (V2G) goals or targets.With the right technology, EVs can help power a BBQ, home, or even the electricity grid (V2G)
3. The strategy makes no mention of the tax settings and incentives that make big vehicles cheaper.Experts and think-tanks, including the Australia Institute, argue these tax arrangements should be removed or reviewed.
4. There are no new initiatives to help lower-income individuals and households access EVs.The Government needs to consider no-interest loans, and schemes to support the trade in of old, polluting vehicles in exchange for discounted EVs, e-bikes or public transport.
5. There are no targets or accountability.Clear national targets for EV sales, electrification of bus fleets, transport emissions and light vehicle emissions intensity are needed.
Australia must also adopt measures to avoid unnecessary travel, shift to cleaner transport like bikes, walking, and public transport, as well as improve vehicle efficiency.