Half of all new car sales in Australia should be electric by 2030 and the government should limit pollution from new petrol and diesel cars next year, says a new transport campaign.
The suggestions, released as part of a call to action by the Electric Vehicle Council, also say Australia should aim to catch up to electric car adoption in the US and Europe within seven years, and consider launching upgrade incentives for tradespeople, farmers and those living in remote locations.
The recommendations come one week before consultation closes on Australia’s fuel-efficiency standard, which the federal government committed to introducing as part of its National Electric Vehicle Strategy.
But other industry groups say Australians should ask the government to set more ambition targets, like those in New Zealand, to speed up the country’s move to greener cars.
Electric Vehicle Council policy head Dr Jake Whitehead said the organisation launched its digital submission form this week to help more Australians give their input on future vehicle policy.