It might sound like pie in the sky, but plans by Ford, Volvo and Volkswagen to completely electrify their vehicles by 2030 are realistic and achievable.
That’s the message from Australia’s Climate Council which is calling for stronger fuel efficiency standards to put Australia on the path to 100 per cent zero-emissions by cars.
Examining the way major international car makers are already re-tooling their fleets shows that should be entirely possible within about a decade.
Climate Council is Australia’s own independent, evidence-based organisation on climate science, impacts and solutions.
It wants the Federal Government to introduce stronger fuel efficiency standards which it says will mean more cheap, clean electric vehicles (EVs) are available in Australia, so that more families can afford to drive them.
That’s because fuel efficiency standards limit how much pollution a car manufacturer’s new models can release before they hit the market.
Companies are fined if they fail to adhere to this limit.
Of note the council says some manufacturers have made “bad bets” on different technologies that have not succeeded, for example hydrogen for light passenger vehicles — or have simply failed to seize the electric opportunity.
Either way, Australia’s national policies shouldn’t be decided by those at the back of the pack.
The council has rated the top best-selling brands in the country on their efforts to transition to zero emissions.
Despite producing plenty of hybrids, Toyota comes in at position nine.
Where Australia’s top selling car makers rank in the race to zero emissions.
Climate Councillor, energy expert and former President of BP Australasia, Greg Bourne said personal transport is Australia’s fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions and our second biggest source of climate pollution.
“Without increasing the accessibility of EVs and dumping our reliance on petrol and diesel cars, Australia will face roadblocks on its national commitment to zero emissions across the board,” he said.
“The vehicle industry must do its bit towards Australia’s new target of cutting emissions by at least 43 percent by 2030.
“If we are to make EVs affordable and accessible to Australians then all major manufacturers need to step up their game on delivering cleaner fleets to our local market.
“The uptake of electric vehicles is gaining momentum and these manufacturers can become strong contenders in the race to zero.”
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