FCAI HAS CAUTIOUSLY WELCOMED THE QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT’S ANNOUNCEMENT OF $55 MILLION IN EV INCENTIVES

The FCAI, the peak body for the automotive industry in Australia has cautiously welcomed
the Queensland Government’s announcement of $55 million in electric vehicle incentives.

The package which provides grants of $3,000 for electric vehicles under $58,000 is
expected to provide the opportunity of owning an electric vehicle to more Queensland
families and road users. The package also includes a further $10 million for electric vehicle
charging infrastructure and a continuation of the introduction of zero-emission vehicles into
the Queensland Government’s fleet.

FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said the grants will be a welcome support to potential
EV buyers.

“The FCAI believes the Government’s continued focus on developing EV recharging
infrastructure and fleets is vital in supporting the penetration of EVs into the Queensland
market.”

However, Mr Weber was perplexed the sales target of 50% of new passenger vehicles
sales to be zero-emission by 2030, and 100% of new passenger vehicle sales to be zero-
emission by 2036.

“The primary policy objective is to reduce CO2 emissions and our pathway to this objective
in the transport sector needs to be a holistic one. Electric vehicles alone will not achieve
this in Australia.

“The pathway to reducing emissions through to the mid-2030s will rely on a range of low
emission technologies that include plug-in hybrid, hybrid and even highly efficient internal
combustion engines in addition to pure EVs.

“Improvements in fuel quality and the introduction of a broad-based and nationally
consistent Road User Charge scheme, as well as a vehicle emissions target, are all
needed to bring the best low and zero-emissions technology to Australia.

“We look forward to working with Governments at all levels to send these policy signals,
which will be vital in achieving our emission reduction across the light vehicle fleet,” Mr
Weber added.

About Ewan Kennedy

Ewan Kennedy, a long-time car enthusiast, was Technical Research Librarian with the NRMA from 1970 until 1985. He worked part-time as a freelance motoring journalist from 1977 until 1985, when he took a full-time position as Technical Editor with Modern Motor magazine. Late in 1987 he left to set up a full-time business as a freelance motoring journalist. Ewan is an associate member of the Society of Automotive Engineers - International. An economy driving expert, he set the Guinness World Record for the greatest distance travelled in a standard road vehicle on a single fuel fill. He lists his hobbies as stage acting, travelling, boating and reading.
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