The Federal Parliament’s Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment
and Water has commenced an inquiry into the transition to electric vehicles.
It’s taken far too long for Australian governments, both State and Commonwealth, to
acknowledge the impact of EVs so the inquiry will be a welcome breakthrough and will
hopefully address the numerous issues that new and future buyers are constantly raising.
Chair of the Committee, Tony Zappia MP, said ‘Australian motorists are increasingly
choosing EVs when purchasing a new car. The percentage of EVs sold is growing every
year, moving to 7.2 per cent of all new cars sold in 2023 up from less than 3 per cent in
2022. The inquiry will consider the necessary resources, systems and infrastructure for
this transition and the impacts of moving away from traditional vehicles.’
‘The Committee will also explore opportunities such as fuel savings and affordability for
residents in outer regions to make this shift beneficial for everyone. Our focus will also be
on the future of EV battery manufacturing, and we will consider challenges on electricity
consumption and demand and our limited EV supply compared to other countries,’
Mr Zappia said.
The Committee is seeking written submissions providing recommendations relating to any
or all of the below inquiry terms of reference by Friday, 22 March 2024.
The Committee will examine a number of issues including:
– 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
Further information about the Committee’s inquiry is available on the inquiry webpage:
https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House/Climate_Change_En
ergy_Environment_and_Water/Electricvehicles
