Best laid plans
Now, I don’t want to sound like a broken record but automotive is on the verge of an electric revolution.
The uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) in Australia is set to increase – particularly if we are going to even come close to the Federal Government’s ambitious zero and low-emission vehicles (ZLEVs) policy agenda. Labor’s strategy, as outlined in its Powering Australia Plan, claims 89 per cent of new car sales will be electric by 2030.
That’s only eight years away.
So, in my defence, it is no wonder EVs are a hot topic.
As the leader of an industry body, I know a few things about automotive. After all, the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) is Victoria’s peak automotive industry employer association, representing an $11 billion sector with 19,000 businesses employing 110,000 Victorians.
However, on the subject of Australia’s future EV fleet, I can also acknowledge what I don’t know. Really, what Australia doesn’t know. Our country simply hasn’t experienced anything like this before.
This shift from internal combustion engine vehicles to ZLEVs is going to impact everyone – motorists, business owners, automotive workers – therefore, I reckon we need to take the bull by the horns.
I’m keen to learn from those who have ‘been there, done that,’ so to speak.
The automotive industries in Norway, Sweden, UK and Germany are much further down the EV track and so it makes sense to listen and learn from them.
As part of an industry delegation, later this year I’m heading overseas to hear from my global counterparts and gather valuable insights that will help inform our own policymakers.
Why not do everything we can to ensure the transition to an electric fleet is as smooth a ride as possible?
Words: VACC CEO, Geoff Gwilym.
Share your thoughts! E: ceo@vacc.com.au. As featured in the Herald Sun Friday 5 August 2022.