Electric vehicles continue to gain popularity in Australia as more customers realize the importance of sustainable and green mobility.
The country’s sales of battery-powered vehicles (BEVs) surged 385% year-on-year, CleanTechnica reports citing Finance Journalist Alan Kohler.
Meanwhile, plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) enjoyed a YoY increase of 24%. Pure hybrids’ (HEVs) figures were steady (0%).
On the other hand, petrol-powered vehicles increased by 7% YoY. Diesel’s market share declined by a notable 5%.
Kohler’s report via ABC News revealed that EV adoption in Australia has ranged from 8%-10% in the prior eight months. For reference, the country has been registering nearly 100,000 vehicles monthly.
Moreover, Australia’s media has also started increasing their promotion of electric vehicles by featuring EV models in advertisements.
Australian EV industry starts to catch up
Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor recently released his “Future Fuels Strategy” report. However, it does not please the long-time EV advocate Alan Kohler.
He referred to the proposal as “the EV strategy you have when you don’t want an EV strategy.”
Now, the Finance Journalist seems satisfied that EV uptake in Australia is progressing.
That said, Queensland’s largest mutual organization RACQ is also increasing its efforts to support the shift.
“Electric vehicles (EVs) are fast losing their inner-city stigma, with families in South East Queensland’s outer suburbs embracing more sustainable ways to move around.”
RACQ
The growing number of EVs on Queensland’s roads demonstrates a significant improvement in the industry in terms of range, pricing, and charging infrastructures. EVs available in the country now have a more extended range. They have also started becoming more affordable. In addition, charging infrastructures have also increased.
“Over the past 12 months there’s been an influx of new electric vehicle models on the Australian market, driving down prices through competition. More recently we’ve seen state government rebates increased for new EV purchases, and in January 2023 the federal government brought in Fringe Benefit Tax exemptions on novated leasing for EVs. These things will continue to make EVs more affordable for motorists who want to drive cleaner and safer cars.”
Dr. Kane, RACQ Head of Public Policy
Need for more charging infrastructures
Australian states continue to report growth in their EV registrations, even reaching more than 300% in some places.
However, range anxiety remains the top concern that impedes EV uptake in Queensland. That said, there must be enough charging infrastructures to support the transition.
“There’s no doubt range anxiety is still a big deterrent for many Queenslanders considering an EV and we must address this to ensure a smooth transition to cleaner transport.”
Dr. Kane, RACQ Head of Public Policy
In response, RACQ is developing a new charging site in Brisbane. It has also partnered with the Queensland Government to launch seven fast-charging projects in the following locations:
- Cairns
- Mackay
- Gladstone
- Bundaberg
- Hervey Bay
- Toowoomba
- Mitchell
“The Queensland government co-funding program is set to see 46 charging sites across more than 30 mostly regional locations up and running by the end of 2024,. RACQ already sponsors around 50 government-owned charging stations across Queensland and will continue to work closely with the state government to ensure all motorists have access to safe, secure, and sustainable transport.”
Dr. Kane, RACQ Head of Public Policy
In addition, RACQ has also launched an awareness program regarding EVs’ advantages. The 30-minute video focused on canceling the common belief that EV batteries may explode in the country’s hot climate. It also corrected the prevalent concerns that EVs cannot tow a boat.
See Also:
- South Australia initiates bi-directional EV charging pilot program
- Australian consumer watchdog warns EV-makers to consider production environmental impact in zero-emission claims
- EV technology to reduce Australian customers’ electricity bills
- MG 4 EV got a 5-star safety rating in Australia
- Australia’s “outdated” regulations impede its electrification efforts, EVC report suggests
Australia’s progressive advancement in the EV industry is indeed remarkable, considering that it was previously regarded as one of the laggards in the uptake. It must adopt effective fuel efficiency standards to sustain this upward trend.
