The ACT government’s new zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) strategy is a green light for carmakers and charging station companies to invest in the territory, delivering Canberrans cleaner and cheaper roads, according to the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC).
Behyad Jafari, Chief Executive Of The EVC, said the ACT was leading the nation in a smooth, affordable transition to zero emissions vehicles. “The ACT Government is making the tough reform decisions now to ease an inevitable transition that’s only a decade away,” Jafari said.
The EVC said the plan to phase out light internal combustion engines by 2035 is driven by an ambitious target of 80 to 90 per cent of new light vehicles sales being ZEVs by 2030.
“By setting long term targets in line with climate science, Canberrans will benefit from cheaper electric vehicles that cost a fraction to run,” Jafari said.
“The new 2035 ban is achievable and in the best interests of us all. The International Energy Agency tells us it is absolutely necessary to achieve net zero by 2050.
“Nearly a majority (42 per cent) of the world’s car market have incoming bans on light combustion engines, while 16 car makers are phasing out petrol and diesel cars. Five years ago, both those numbers were zero. Can you imagine what the world will look like five years from now?”
According to the EVC, the strategy includes financial incentives to remove the major barrier to people taking up electric vehicles. Jafari said the comprehensive plan should be reviewed and adapted by other governments.
“We need the federal government to adopt fuel efficiency standards in line with those in Europe, the USA, and NZ. As a country coming from behind, we now need them urgently,” Jafari said.
“[Pricing registration according to the emissions vehicles produce] sets a clear expectation that lower and zero emissions vehicles should be better off compared to more heavily polluting vehicles under any future reform.
“The ACT has made itself a beacon for other governments. There is no excuse to take the lazy approach of further taxing EVs now and promising to do better later.
“The ACT Government is ensuring Canberrans aren’t dumped with old fossil fuel guzzlers as the rest of the world goes electric. This is a sensible strategy, and it should be replicated across Australia.”