Latest reports suggest that all is set for Australia to release its long-awaited national electric vehicle strategy, finally detailing the introduction of pollution standards that should accelerate the uptake of electric cars.
Industry sources say that the federal climate change and energy minister, Chris Bowen, will release the strategy ahead of an event in western Sydney on Wednesday.
“We’re expecting something quite ambitious,” one of them was quoted as saying.
Bowen’s office declined to confirm the timing or details of the strategy, saying only it “will be launched soon.” The plans will “provide a nationally consistent, comprehensive framework to looking at supply, demand and infrastructure needs for cleaner and cheaper vehicles”, a spokesperson said.
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Australia is said to be the only OECD nation to not have, or be in the process of developing fuel efficiency standards. Bowen said last August that Australian consumers could choose between just eight low-emissions vehicles under $60,000, compared with 26 available in the UK.
Impetus has only gathered internationally since then, with the US becoming the latest country to flag much stricter emissions standards. Under proposed changes by the US environment protection agency unveiled this week, the share of electric vehicles in the world’s second-largest car market could soar from about 6% last year to 66% by 2032.
“Motor vehicle emissions contribute to ozone, particulate matter and air toxins, which are linked with premature death and other serious health impacts, including respiratory illness, cardiovascular problems, and cancer,” the US EPA said, while explaining the need for the new standards.
Story was adapted from the Guardian.
