FlexCharge, a leading Australian-based network equipment owner and Charge Point Operator (CPO), is thrilled to announce its support for Australia’s first National Electric Vehicle Strategy. Unveiled by the Albanese Government on April 19, 2023, this comprehensive roadmap aims to revolutionise transportation in Australia by promoting cleaner and more cost-effective options.
A central pillar of the strategy is the introduction of a Fuel Efficiency Standard, the result of extensive public consultation. This standard will regulate the pollution and carbon dioxide emissions produced by vehicles, incentivising the use of more efficient cars and reducing environmental impact and operating costs for drivers.
Australia and Russia are among the only developed nations without fuel efficiency standards, leading to limited car models and higher fuel expenses for households and businesses. New cars in Australia consume 40% more fuel than those in the European Union, 20% more than in the United States, and 15% more than in New Zealand. Introducing fuel efficiency standards is projected to save motorists approximately $519 per year in fuel costs.
A core focus of the strategy is reducing emissions, mainly from passenger cars, which contribute nearly 10% of Australia’s CO2 emissions. Importantly, the fuel efficiency standards will only apply to new cars, preserving consumer freedom to choose preferred vehicles.
Recognising the need to accelerate electric vehicle adoption, the strategy targets barriers such as demand, supply, and infrastructure. Richard Butcher, a director at FlexCharge, passionately advocates Daytime EV charging and highlights the benefits it brings, including enhanced employee attraction and retention, customers staying on-site longer, convenience charging for the public, showcasing green credentials, and reducing grid demand.
Transportation is Australia’s third-largest emissions source, making this strategy a pivotal step towards cutting emissions by at least 3 million tonnes of carbon by 2030 and over 10 million tonnes by 2035.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, lauds widespread support from diverse stakeholders for cleaner and more affordable vehicles in Australia. He underscores the government’s efforts to reduce taxes on electric vehicles through the Electric Car Discount, which has resulted in a notable two-and-a-half-fold increase in EV sales compared to the previous year.
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government, Catherine King, emphasises the opportunity to develop fuel efficiency standards based on international best practices while addressing Australians’ unique needs. This move sends a powerful message to the global car industry about Australia’s commitment to embracing advanced transport technology.
Public consultation on the design of fuel efficiency standards commenced on the same day and is accessible here. The government intends to release its proposed Fuel Efficiency Standard by the end of 2023.
For more information about FlexCharge and its all-in-one reliable, flexible Daytime EV Managed Charging Network, click here.
FlexCharge is dedicated to shaping a sustainable and efficient electric vehicle charging infrastructure across healthcare facilities, shopping centres, workplaces, councils, body corporates, carparks, airports, and more.
