The Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) of Australia emphasizes the urgent need for vehicle electrification to meet emissions reduction targets and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Transport accounts for nearly one-fifth of Australia's emissions, with cars and trucks being the primary contributors. The EVC advocates for policies and infrastructure development to support the transition to electric vehicles (EVs), highlighting the benefits of reduced emissions, lower pollution, and increased energy security.
Market Trends and Targets
- EV adoption in Australia has been non-linear, with a rapid increase post-COVID followed by a correction in 2024. However, the availability of diverse EV products and increasing consumer adoption is expected to continue.
- The EVC aims to achieve 1 million EVs (battery electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles) on the road by 2027, requiring adoption rates of 27% in 2027 and 50% in 2030.
- Currently, EVs account for only over 2% of vehicles on Australian roads, indicating the need for continued government action.
Charging Infrastructure
- The availability of charging options is crucial for consumer confidence. Over 90% of Australian dwellings have some form of EV charging option, with public charging remaining important for renters, strata title occupants, and commercial applications.
- EV charging infrastructure is growing rapidly, with approximately 2,000 high-power EV chargers in Australia as of mid-2024, equivalent to about one-third the size of the petrol station footprint.
- The EVC proposes an 'EV Friendly Towns' initiative to support regional motorists and encourage economic growth by establishing public awareness campaigns and educational support.
Key Recommendations
- Thorough Inquiry on Kerbside Charging Models: Before supporting any proposed kerbside charging models, governments should conduct a thorough and consultative inquiry to evaluate different models based on speed of rollout, cost, customer impacts, and competition issues.
- Removing Barriers to Infrastructure Rollout:
- Network Capacity Data Sharing: DNSPs should provide granular network capacity data to support strategic planning and efficient deployment of charging stations.
- Support for Second Lines of Supply: DNSPs should facilitate the provision of second lines of supply to key commercial premises.
- Innovative Tariffs: Tariff innovation is needed to ensure public charging is affordable for EV drivers while generating electricity network cost savings.
- Publication of Standard FAAs: Standardizing Facilities Access Agreements (FAAs) would enable charge point operators to apply with confidence.
- Support for Local Governments: Local governments should streamline planning approvals and offer zero-cost leases for government-owned parking areas to facilitate EV charging station installation.
- Improving Approval and Connection Times: Proper resourcing and improved processes could expedite approvals and installations.
Other Asks of NSW Government
- Inclusion of EVSE in the Energy Savings Scheme (ESS): The EVC proposes including EVSE in the ESS to incentivize and increase the number of electric vehicle chargers in NSW.
- Freight and Heavy Vehicles: The EVC anticipates battery electric vehicles to be the primary technology for most road freight and heavy vehicle applications. It urges NSW to establish a clear plan for the rollout of electric charging infrastructure for freight routes, including:
- Deployment of “pull-through” charging bays for larger EVs.
- Identification of priority electric freight routes and recharging solutions.
- Auditing regional grid connections and capacity.
- Financing a charging network at key freight hubs.
- Transitioning Workers and Industry Standards: The EVC supports measures to upskill workers affected by increased electrification, emphasizing the need for a skilled workforce in designing, manufacturing, maintaining, and supporting EVs and their infrastructure.
The EVC calls for coordinated efforts between governments, regulators, and industry stakeholders to accelerate the adoption of EVs and build a sustainable transportation future.
