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Major vehicle manufacturers popular in Australia are getting serious about zero emissions and paving the way for strong fuel efficiency standards that will help make electric vehicles (EVs) cheaper and more affordable, new analysis shows. accessible
The Climate Council Race to zero ranking published today shows that some manufacturers are moving quickly to electrify their fleets, with major brands charting a path to selling nothing but zero-emissions vehicles by the mid-2030s or sooner.
Many of the companies that make the cars driven by millions of Australians are on the cusp of a revolution in clean transport. We are calling on the Federal Government to get real and set fuel efficiency standards that will bring 100 per cent of new vehicles sold in Australia to zero emissions as soon as possible.
Fuel efficiency standards limit how much pollution a car manufacturer’s new models can emit before they hit the market. Companies are fined if they do not comply with this limit.
These standards already cover 80 per cent of the global car market, but Australia remains on the starting line when it comes to implementing them. Why are Australians still paying for expensive, petrol-guzzling cars that harm household budgets, our health and the environment?
Race to Zero Ranking 2022* – Best to Worst
- Polar star
- Tesla
- Volvo
- Ford
- Volkswagen
- Mazda
- Hyundai
- Come on
- Honda
- Nissan and Mitsubishi
- Toyota
- Isuzu
*These brands were chosen due to their status as Australia’s best selling car manufacturers.
Dr Jennifer Rayner, head of advocacy at the Climate Council, said: “Australians want cheaper and cleaner transport options as demand for electric vehicles soars. Australia needs policies that build on that momentum, not policies that stall so a few lagging companies can catch up.
“Many major manufacturers know that all-electric is the way to go. The implementation of strict fuel efficiency standards would ensure that 100% of new vehicles sold are zero-emission by the middle of the next decade.
“Manufacturers who lag behind and refuse to embrace an all-electric future are making the conscious choice to stay in the polluting past and risk being swallowed up by the competition.” These predators should not set the pace for our national transport policies.’
Climate advisor, energy expert and former president of BP Australasia, Greg Bourne said: “Personal transport is the fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions in Australia and the second largest source of climate pollution. Without increasing the availability of electric cars and abandoning our dependence on petrol and diesel cars, Australia will face obstacles to its national commitment to zero emissions everywhere.
“The automotive industry must contribute to Australia’s new target of reducing emissions by at least 43 per cent by 2030.
“If we want to make EVs affordable and accessible to Australians, then all the major manufacturers need to step up their game to deliver cleaner fleets to our local market.
“The adoption of electric vehicles is gaining momentum, and these manufacturers could become strong contenders in the race to zero.”
See the full ranking report.
For interviews please contact Zerene Catacutan on 0438 972 260 or zerene.catacutan@climatecouncil.org.au
The Climate Council is Australia’s leading community-funded climate change communications organisation. We provide authoritative, expert and evidence-based advice on climate change to journalists, policymakers and the wider Australian community.
For further information visit: Climatecouncil.org.au
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