The Motor Traders Association warns training for mechanics needs to be ramped up to deal with the growing number of electric vehicles.
It says NSW and Australia’s road infrastructure, as well as maintenance and supply systems, are also in need of significant improvements and updates.
The MTA’s comments follow the release this week of a discussion paper on the the Federal Government’s National Electric Vehicle Strategy which the NSW-based organisation has welcomed.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the EV revolution is advancing under the Albanese Government.
“At the heart of the national strategy will be a plan to improve affordability and choice for consumers by growing the Australian EV market,” Minister Bowen said.
“This is a genuine consultation to inform the right policy settings so we can see more affordable electric vehicles on our roads.”
“Right now, Australians miss out on a wider choice of affordable EVs because our policy settings are outdated. It’s time for Australians to get a fair go when they’re deciding on their next car.”
The Electric Vehicle Council’s Behyad Jafari describes the discussion paper is an important opportunity for industry and other stakeholders to provide constructive input into the development of a National EV Strategy.
He said this can enable our country to catch up to leading international markets and to take advantage of the enormous economic opportunities available to us through this transition.
“It is a breath of fresh air to see a federal government take this issue so seriously, acting on a national policy within the first months of its administration,” he said.
“The discussion paper is correct to focus on demand and supply as the necessary first steps towards building a dynamic domestic EV sector.
“Australia can absolutely be an EV powerhouse, employing Australians to build products right across the EV supply chain. But we won’t realise those opportunities while our standards lag the rest of the world.”
However, MTA believes a number of items within the strategy require detailed thought and rapid action in order to allow Australia to catch up with countries leading the EV adoption charge and increase the value of Australia to EV manufacturers.
MTA’s Stavros Yallouridis points out training receives only a single mention in the discussion paper.
He said specialist training in electric car and battery maintenance for mechanics is critical to avoid workplace safety dangers and driver risks.
“This training needs to be rolled out quickly and efficiently in a manner that is hands on for the mechanics with state-of-the-art equipment to keep up with the rapid pace of development witnessed in EVs,” he said.
Mr Yallouridis said consumers need to know that they have flexibility in quality maintenance of their vehicle for years after purchase.
“While we applaud the release of the strategy, the reality is that NSW, Australia’s largest state by population, is still not ready for a major influx of electric vehicles,” he said.
“We need to see the plans for improving the underlying infrastructure to support electric vehicles.
“This includes having a comprehensive plan to reskill our current workforce, retool the thousands of small businesses that service and repair our vehicles and improve the training of the automotive industry through hands-on specialist training.
“To do anything less puts at risk the transformation of the state fleet and risks Australia’s plan to reduce carbon emissions and meet our international obligations.”
Mr Yallouridis said, as the discussion paper notes, getting the transition correct is critical.
“Missteps in the process will have unintended consequences that could stall the process of transition.”
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