The pinnacle body representing Australian car brands, has been accused of actively sabotaging deployment of zero-emission vehicles, said it fully supports the ALP Government’s “courageous” plan for the National Electric Vehicle Strategy.
The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industry (FCAI), which is funded by Australian car brands and represents them in Canberra, was set up this month to launch a fuel-saving and emissions-reducing program. CO2 emissions are less demanding on members than EU or US policies.
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It was absent from today’s EV Summit in Canberra, organized by the Electric Vehicle Council, Smart Energy Council and Institute of Australia, with speeches from Tesla Chairman Robyn Denholm, CEO Atlassian Mike Cannon-Brookes and EU ambassador Michael Pulch.
Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen also said, who caught the ball on the Federal Government’s National Electric Vehicle Strategywith a panel discussion that includes input from the car industry and other stakeholders.
The core policy to deal with is the belated introduction of fuel economy standards and the adoption of an exhaust CO2 reduction scheme, which many in the car industry have long considered essential. to open up a larger supply of EVs.
FCAI CEO Tony Weber said today the agency has been advocating positions taken and has done so extensively for more than two years.
“This is the courageous intention we are seeking from our Federal Government and it is an important step in our journey to deliver low-emission vehicles to Australian customers,” said Mr Weber.
“We have publicly supported the Government mandated CO2 target for many years. Today is a good day.”
It called the Government’s position “consistent with the approach outlined by FCAI on 24 July 2020”.
At the time, the peak body stated: “FCAI strongly advocates a comprehensive approach to addressing motor vehicle emissions including fuel quality standards, the adoption of Euro 6 and the introduction of a challenging yet realistic, achievable and market-appropriate CO.2 Standard”.
A very widely quoted story in Sydney Morning Herald recently accused the lobby of “a wide-ranging covert campaign” to delay the rollout of electric vehicles and hinder the government from cutting the desired 43 percent CO2 by 2030 and zero by 2050.
However, the FCAI has been calling on many governments to put such a plan into law for years now, which somewhat undermines the suggestion that it is trying to stop the rollout of low-emission vehicles. more and promote to car lovers.
But there is no argument that FCAI’s voluntary CO2 reduction target is 35% for passenger cars and light SUVs by 2030 (to 98 grams per km); and the 26% cut for heavy trucks, vans and SUVs (to 143g/km), which is weak in the global context. Too weak for many people.
Europe has demanded that new cars emit an average of 95g/km and trucks 147g/km – which is the same as what FCAI wants from Australia by 2030. By the end of the decade, Europe wants a 55% cut compared to what FCAI wants from Australia by the end of the decade. current levels and with zero emissions from new vehicles starting in 2035.
“A collaborative country-led approach, supported by State and Territory Governments and stakeholders, will help develop a comprehensive strategy that encompasses the complexities of vehicles, facilities, infrastructure, taxes and incentives are critical to achieving our climate change ambitions,” said Weber.
“It’s important to make sure all Australians are included, rather than excluded because of where they live and what they can afford, and make sure ambition matches reality.”
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