THE federal government is taking the issue of electric vehicles to citizens of major cities as part of a national inquiry aiming to collate benefits and challenges of an EV transition.  

The inquiry aims to air issues that could affect EV growth, with many of the submissions received to date reflected by the RAC of WA which has said that infrastructure was a key accelerant to EV uptake.

It cited a CSIRO report that said EVs would comprise 52 per cent of new passenger vehicle sales and almost 15 per cent of Australia’s vehicle fleet by 2030.The RAC of WA said in its submission: “To support EV growth while ensuring the ongoing security, reliability and efficiency of our power system, the Australian and West Australian governments should continue to assess the existing capabilities of the existing network and take early action to accommodate future demand.”

The Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) said in its submission that the inquiry should address the skills shortages in the automotive industry; expand EV training and fund resources and workshops; and invest in infrastructure particularly charging facilities at automotive retail outlets, fuel outlets and workshops.

The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) said in its submission that the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) should be adjusted to be “fit for purpose” including a revision of the penalties that the AADA warns may “have adverse consequences for vehicle affordability.”

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water is now in Melbourne as part of its inquiry, with a full-day public hearing and two site visits at battery recycling business Infinitev and to witness an EV crash test at ANCAP’s test facility.

The committee is this year holding inquiries into the EV transition and will report later this year. It has already received more than 135 public submissions from industry bodies and individuals.

Its terms of reference includes: 

• The establishment of resources, systems and infrastructure required to support transition to EVs
• The impact of moving from internal combustion engine vehicles, including fuel excise loss, existing auto industry component manufacturers and the environment
• The opportunities for fuel savings, such as by combining EVs with other consumer energy technologies and savings for outer suburban and regional motorists
• The impact on electricity consumption and demand
• The opportunities for expanding EV battery manufacturing, recycling, disposal and safety, and other opportunities for Australia in the automotive value chain to support the ongoing maintenance of EVs
• The impact of Australia’s limited EV supply compared to peer countries, and
• Any other relevant matters.

Chair of the committee, Tony Zappia MP, said: “The committee has heard valuable evidence about the benefits and challenges that the transition to EVs presents. “We are looking forward to meeting with witnesses in Melbourne to delve deeper into these issues to help inform our inquiry.”

The committee will be holding further public hearings in Brisbane and Canberra in September 2024. Further information about the inquiry is available on the committee’s website.