Rules that will allow Australian drivers to offer more efficient and cleaner vehicles over the next five years have been welcomed by environmental and motoring groups despite previous clashes over the legislation.
The new vehicle efficiency standard proposed by the Labor government was approved by parliament on Thursday with the support of the Greens, after two public consultations and two years of debate on its content.
But while environmental and automotive groups welcomed the change and its potential to align Australian regulations with those of the rest of the world, some warned there will be challenges ahead, including obtaining compliant vehicles and more government investment. and corporate.
Australian motorists are likely to get more low-emission vehicle options in the coming years.
The rule will set emissions targets for vehicles starting in 2025, with penalties for automakers whose fleets don’t meet the limits or who don’t negotiate credits with other car brands.
Australia had been one of the only developed nations without a standard in place, along with Russia.
Electric Vehicle Council chief executive Behyad Jafari said the rules would signal to the world’s carmakers that Australia would no longer accept obsolete and highly polluting vehicles rejected by other nations.
“This move sends a clear signal to the global car industry: Australia now demands the same options in cars, vans and electric vehicles as are offered to the United States and Europe,” he said.
“Australian drivers will benefit from access to a greater choice of vehicles, lower fuel bills and real emissions costs.”
Greenpeace Asia Pacific energy and climate director Joe Rafalowicz said the rule would also have a significant impact on the amount of air pollution produced in Australia.
“This means that by 2035, 80 million tonnes less carbon pollution from cars will enter the atmosphere,” he said.
“That’s the same as the entire state of Victoria emits in a year.”
Despite calling for changes to the rules, Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries chief executive Tony Weber said his members would work with the government on their implementation and welcomed the certainty the rule would bring to the industry.
Australian Automobile Dealers Association chief executive James Voortman welcomed the budget’s $60 million commitment to electric vehicle chargers at dealerships.
“We intend to work closely with the government and our members in the design and implementation of this plan,” Mr Weber said.
“We recognize the challenges the industry faces in meeting ambitious targets and ensuring Australian drivers have access to the vehicles they love and want to drive.”
Australian Automobile Dealers Association chief executive James Voortman also said car dealers would comply with the plan and welcomed the budget’s $60 million commitment to electric vehicle chargers at dealerships.
“While we believe this is an ambitious standard that will be very difficult to achieve, distributors are willing to play their part,” he said.
But Uber Australia CEO Emma Foley said the rule would require governments and businesses to step up to comply with the rules, including setting targets for a transition to low-emission vehicles.
“Sustained investments and measures will be needed in the public and private sectors,” he said.