We are working to reduce transport emissions. The National Electric Vehicle Strategy will help us to do this.
We are working with governments and industry to maximise outcomes and help Australians make the switch to cleaner, cheaper to run transport.
In 2022 our transport sector made up 19% of Australia’s emissions.
Passenger cars and light commercial vehicles alone contributed 60% of our transport emissions and over 10% of Australia’s total emissions.
Without intervention, the transport sector is projected to be Australia’s largest source of emissions by 2030.
More electric vehicles (EVs) on our roads means lower emissions. Yet Australia lags behind other countries in EV sales. In 2022 EVs represented less than 4% of new car sales in Australia.
Time for change
By 2030 we expect to generate 82% of Australia’s electricity from renewable energy.
EVs powered by this electricity will contribute to achieving our economy-wide emissions reduction target of 43% below 2005 levels by 2030 – and net zero emissions by 2050.
The shift to EVs presents a significant opportunity to develop new green jobs and skills in Australia. Across the supply chain, from manufacturing through to maintenance, new skills will be needed to support the rollout of EVs. We have the mineral resources, capital and capability to maximise this opportunity.
Switching to EVs:
- can reduce Australia’s emissions
- can help reduce air pollution
- has wide ranging health and environmental benefits.
National Electric Vehicle Strategy
To deliver on our commitment to increasing the uptake of EVs, we have developed Australia’s first National Electric Vehicle Strategy. It’s a nationally consistent framework to get Australia’s road transport sector on the path to net zero emissions.
The Strategy is part of our Powering Australia plan to improve affordability, create jobs and reduce emissions.
It builds on the progress already made to support EV uptake:
- Electric Car Discount legislation is already making EVs cheaper.
- Driving The Nation Fund is supporting transformational infrastructure. This includes Australia’s first National Electric Vehicle Charging Network, to roll out chargers on average every 150 kilometres on our major highways.
- Green Vehicle Guide helps Australian consumers who want to choose a less emissions intensive vehicle, and to save on vehicle running costs.
Next steps
A key priority of the Strategy is our commitment to introduce a Fuel Efficiency Standard for Australia.
The Fuel Efficiency Standard will set an average carbon emissions limit, that decreases over time, across all new light vehicles sold by each vehicle supplier in our market. A well-designed standard will help reduce fuel costs for Australian motorists and improve the supply and variety of EVs coming into the Australian market.
You can now provide feedback on how the standard should be designed. To have your say, visit The Fuel Efficiency Standard - Cleaner Cars for Australia.
Contact us
Email nevs@dcceew.gov.au