Australia’s Climate Council has released its report Ute beauty! The case for lower and zero emissions utes in Australia.
“Lower and zero emission utes are an important option for Australians who need a durable, heavy-duty vehicle for work but want to make big savings on their petrol bills and pollution,” says Climate Council advocacy head Dr Jennifer Rayner.
“Aussie ute drivers can save hundreds of dollars a year right now just by switching to the most fuel-efficient utes on the market. Those savings will rev up in the next few years as electric utes become more available.”
Rayner says countries with strong fuel efficiency standards – like the EU, US and New Zealand – are already powering ahead with cheaper, cleaner utes.
“Australia is being left behind like a paddock basher bogged in the mud because manufacturers aren’t sending their best new vehicles here,” she explains.
“Strong fuel efficiency standards are the key to giving Aussie drivers more choice in lower and zero emissions utes that are cheaper and cleaner to run.
“We need to get them in place as soon as possible so that farmers, tradies and other workers can benefit.”
Energy expert, Climate councillor and former BP Australasia president Greg Bourne says Australia’s transport mix has to change.
“Heavy, petrol-guzzling vehicles are bad for our budgets, our health and our environment,” he explains.
“A growing number of mainstream brands and local manufacturers are ramping up production of lower and zero emissions utes.
“We’re already seeing electric utes being put to work by industry and councils, and it’s great to see Woolies leadership as well.”
Bourne says fuel efficiency standards are key to making more lower and zero emissions utes available for companies and workers who need them.
“This is one part of an important shift to turn the tide on growing transport emissions,” he adds.
“Along with increased uptake of active and public transport, getting more clean and cheap zero emissions vehicles on our roads for those times when a car is essential will see Australians benefit today and in the years ahead.”
Fuel efficiency standards are seen as the key to unlocking EV supply in Australia.
They aim to limit the greenhouse gas emissions Australia’s fleet of cars release by creating a maximum average level of carbon emissions allowed across a manufacturer’s overall new car sales.
The standards also provide incentives for automotive manufacturers to supply low and zero emissions vehicles to a country – and penalise them for failing to do so.
