Industry tells Australian government they aren’t enough BEVs to completely replace current fleet.
An industry group across the ditch is warning there is a limited global supply of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) as the Australian government and many other countries seek to decarbonise their fleets.
The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) is urging Australia’s federal leaders to focus on the availability and affordability of low-emissions vehicles for consumers as they seek to develop a plan to boost the transition to EVs.
Tony Weber, FCAI’s chief executive, says: “With limited worldwide supply of battery electric vehicles set to be an issue for the foreseeable future, the discussion needs to be guided by evidence not emotion, research not rhetoric and proof not predictions.
“Despite some media commentary to the contrary, independent international research indicates there is no capacity to completely replace the current market with battery electric vehicles in the near future – especially the great Aussie icon, the mid-sized ute.”
The FCAI’s submission to the government’s EV strategy says an ambitious and achievable fuel efficiency standard, technology mix, infrastructure investment and behaviour change initiatives are needed to reduce emissions, create a cleaner fleet and ensure a sustainable automotive industry.
Weber adds “practical, and challenging policy settings” that acknowledge the unique nature of Australia’s market and customer preferences can support the country’s mission to decarbonise the light-vehicle fleet.
“However, the FCAI will not support any policy that puts fuel-efficient vehicles using a range of technologies out of reach of every-day Australians, particularly those living on the outskirts of our capital cities and rural and regional areas.”
To read the submission, click here.