Fifty per cent of Australians say they would buy an electric vehicle, according to a new report commissioned by the Electric Vehicle Council.
ClimateWorks Australia prepared the ‘State of Electric Vehicles Report’ for the Electric Vehicle Council.
The report also found that nearly 70 per cent of consumers would buy an electric vehicle with the right government policy support.
The report shows Australia’s lack of supporting policies prevents the supply of lower cost models of electric vehicles.
These policies are already in place internationally and have been successful in encouraging electric vehicle uptake overseas.
EV model choices lacking in Australia
Electric Vehicle Council CEO Behyad Jafari said the results reinforce that Australians are eager adopters of new technologies.
“What we have in Australia is not a lack of consumer interest in electric vehicles, but a lack of suitable models to choose from,” Mr Jafari said.
“The right level of support and standards provide manufacturers with an incentive to invest in Australia by bringing more choice to the market, providing lower cost alternatives.
Government support, solar generation key to EV uptake
Government support is critical to encourage uptake of electric vehicles, the report said.
The dream of powering electric vehicles with home generated solar energy could become a reality with subsidies for the installation of home charging infrastructure.
The ACT has seen the greatest uptake of EVs, Mr Jafari said, thanks to incentives through stamp duty discounts reducing the cost of the vehicle by over $2,000.
He added there are almost 500 dedicated public charging stations to provide additional convenience and options for electric vehicle owners.
Zero carbon emissions should be introduced: Jafari
Another comprehensive approach to supporting electric vehicles is in the introduction of light vehicle CO2 carbon emission standards.
“Australia is one of the few remaining developed countries without light vehicle CO2 standards in place,” Mr Jafari said.
“Electric vehicles, powered by renewable energy emit zero carbon emissions,” Mr Jafari said. He added that they also give a boost to the economy, providing opportunities for investment in Australian industry.
“The electric vehicle market in Australia is still in its infancy. But we are seeing it grow, from under 50 electric vehicles sold in 2011, to over 1,350 sold in 2016.”
