How is the Aussie electric fleet shaping up?

12 September 2022

Now, I am a rev head by nature – I’m all about the classic petrol guzzlers – but the electric vehicle talk in the news recently has intrigued me.

There’s a lot of numbers flying around about Australia’s future vehicle fleet and the environment. So, I’ve been chatting to my mates at VACC because I want to get my head around something…

The federal Climate Change Bill has found its way through government with the centrepiece being the meeting of a 43 per cent carbon reduction by 2030, based on 2005 emissions.

Reaching net zero by 2050 is the aim. 

This looks great from a distance, but what the Bill doesn’t outline is what this target means for motorists (you and me).

VACC tells me the transport sector adds around 18 per cent to Australia’s CO2 emissions, but there are no plans that accurately outline how the industry and car drivers will be asked to lend their hands to the carbon reduction wheel.  

While state politicians and the Federal Government declare how many people will drive zero and low emission vehicles (ZLEVS) by 2030, there is almost no accurate planning that examines vehicle production and global supply chains.  

Australia sells only one per cent of all new vehicles manufactured globally each year and, consequently, we are an insignificant right-hand drive market with little influence on production.

Our top selling vehicles are 4X4 utilities – things like the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger – which, in July, sold 6441 and 2934 units respectively.

What will replace our beloved 4X4 utes when the government effectively bans these petrol and diesel vehicles?

There are few direct electric and hybrid alternatives manufactured anywhere in the world.  

Seems to me, the vehicles politicians want us to drive just may not be here in time…

Something to think about.

See ya on the road folks!

Words: VACC ambassador Shane Jacobson.

Want to hear more from Shane? Catch him – along with co-hosts Greg Rust and VACC CEO, Geoff Gwilym – on THE GRILLE podcast each month. There'll be auto news and views, industry insights and trends, special guests, and plenty of laughs along the way. Visit: thegrillepodcast.com.au