National EV strategy paper nets more than 500 submissions

The federal government says it has received more than 500 submissions to a discussion paper designed to shape the country’s first, long-awaited National Electric Vehicle Strategy.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen revealed the number of submissions on Twitter, adding the government would “be working through these closely over coming weeks and months”.

The discussion paper on Australia’s first national EV policy – to augment the current myriad state-based rebate and tax break plans – was released in late September.

The full 18-page consultation paper, which you can read here, took submissions until October 31.

“We are delighted by the strong engagement and public advocacy from manufacturers, car clubs, business, unions, civil society and the public to support Australia’s transformation into an electric vehicle powerhouse,” Minister Bowen added.

The overarching goal is to increase EV uptake in Australia – low relative to other nations of comparable economic standing – by incentivising car-makers to direct more supply of low-emission vehicles to the local market, through new fuel efficiency standards.

But the paper was also designed to canvass how policy settings might encourage local manufacturing of EVs, chargers, and other components; address the implications of declining fuel excise revenue, potentially through a road-user charge; and support charging infrastructure.

While all of Australia’s states and territories have various EV incentive plans in place, including the availability of cash rebates and tax cuts, the federal government has identified a lack of “coordination and alignment at the national level” that it says must be rectified.

The core goals can be broadly defined as:

• Make EVs more affordable
• Expand EV uptake and choice
• Reduce emissions
• Save Australians money on fuel
• Increase Australian manufacturing

In a joint statement at the paper’s release, Minister Bowen and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Catherine King said: “All Australians are encouraged to have their say on how we can transform Australia’s transport sector”.

It seems they have.

Are you keen to read about the National EV strategy in depth, and to know more about the ALP’s plans? The links to detailed summaries below should prove helpful.

MORE: National EV Strategy: Government releases consultation paper MORE: Australian Government to introduce electric vehicle incentives MORE: Dumping ground no more? Australian Government’s affordable EV push MORE: What electric car buyer incentives are offered across Australia?