The introduction of New Zealand’s Clean Car Standard from December 1 is showing Australia how it’s done.
So says the Climate Council which is urging the Albanese Government to follow New Zealand’s lead to ensure cleaner, cheaper cars can be options for all Australians.
Strong fuel efficiency standards are crucial to driving down vehicle emissions and encouraging manufacturers to bring more affordable EVs into Australia, the council says.
“New Zealand is moving away from fossil-fuel powered cars and joining the growing list of countries with fuel efficiency standards,” says Climate Council advocacy head Dr Jennifer Rayner.
“This shows that countries just like Australia – with right-hand drive cars – are taking this step.
“Currently, Australia remains a dumping ground for dirty petrol and diesel cars because there are no incentives encouraging manufacturers to send their cleaner and safer electric vehicles here,” Rayner explains.
“The Electric Car Discount Bill has just passed through Parliament, bringing Australians a step closer to affordable electric vehicles. But we need strong fuel efficiency standards to really unlock the potential of initiatives like this, because this will deliver more choice in affordable EVs that suit Australians’ different needs.”
Climate councillor, energy expert and former president of BP Australasia, Greg Bourne says Australia is one of the only wealthy countries without fuel efficiency standards.
“This doesn’t just leave us straggling behind 80% of the global car market that already has these standards in place, it also leaves many Australians trapped into paying for expensive, petrol-guzzling cars that hurt household budgets, our health, and the environment,” Bourne adds.
“It’s great to see that New Zealand’s Clean Car Standards will be setting carbon emissions reduction targets which get more ambitious year by year. If they can do it, so can Australia.
“We know that Australians want to free themselves from high prices at the petrol pump and they also want cleaner, healthier air,” he says.
“That’s why Australia urgently needs strong fuel efficiency standards so that more Australians can get a cheap, clean electric vehicle that’s kinder to their hip pockets and the climate.”
Click here to view Australia’s Race to Zero ranking, which ranks the emissions reduction policies of the most popular vehicle brands in Australia.
The council also notes that Australia’s cars produce up to 40% more emissions than their European counterparts.
