Auto Industry Reaches Agreement on the Future of Australian Electric Fleet Transition

A recent summit in Canberra, 10 of Australia’s national, state, and territory-based automotive industry organizations agreed on more than 25 principles supporting the practical transition and electrification of the national motor vehicle fleet.

The group reached “historic agreement on critical positions and pathways” that the country can take as it moves away from internal combustion engines to EVs, reported the Australasian Fleet Management Association (AfMA).

Participants represented “thousands of businesses that make, sell, distribute, provide novated leasing, service, repair, supply aftermarket parts, components, and accessories, dismantle, recycle, and train tens of thousands of automotive professionals,” according to AfMA.

The industry leaders explored far-ranging topics, including

• Comprehensive global and domestic data analysis on the future production and delivery of zero- and low-emission vehicle (ZLEVs) beyond 2030, particularly to the Australian market
• Impact and use of targets, milestones, incentives, subsidies and penalties
• Jobs and skills
• Tariffs and taxation
• Fuel standards and securit
• Legacy fleet management and maintenance
• Awareness and education

Summit members embraced the imperative of embracing the electrification of the Australian motor vehicle fleet and mandating CO2 targets over setting EV targets. They also agreed the federal government should lead – or establish nationally consistent – sustainability targets and milestones, supported by facts and sound qualitative data, and applied to an Australian context.

The body has also supported the federal government’s development of a national zero- and low-emission vehicle (ZLEV) electrification transition strategy, AfMA reported.

The Australian auto industry representatives of the auto industry underscored the importance of considering the entire registered vehicle fleet and the needs and requirements of owners/operators.

While maintaining the critical nature of maintaining the safety, security, service, repair, and efficiency of the legacy internal combustion engine fleet, the group opposed introducing bans limiting consumer choice and removing options meeting car owners’ needs and Australia’s emission reduction targets.