Australia’s transport emissions have fallen for the second consecutive quarter, strengthening the case that electric vehicle uptake is beginning to shift the emissions profile of the national vehicle fleet.
The latest National Greenhouse Gas Inventory Quarterly Update shows transport emissions fell 0.6 per cent over the year to December 2025, while total national emissions were 2.1 per cent lower than the previous year. (Minister for the Environment and Water)
National Automotive Leasing and Salary Packaging Association CEO Rohan Martin said the result showed the Electric Car Discount was helping more Australians move into EVs through novated leasing.
“The Government’s data shows transport emissions are falling as more Australians reach for the electric charger instead of the fuel bowser by switching to EVs. The Electric Car Discount is helping make that transition possible,” Martin said.
He said the policy was making EVs accessible to everyday workers, including nurses, teachers and tradies, particularly in outer suburban areas where access to lower running costs can make a significant household budget difference.
“This is exactly what the Electric Car Discount was designed to achieve – more EVs on the road, lower transport emissions and lower household running costs, and it’s helping stabilise the grid,” Martin said.
NALSPA said the result should be treated as further evidence that demand-side incentives remain important as Australia works to reduce transport emissions.
The figures were released as the Federal Government confirmed further support for vehicle-to-grid and smart charging pilot programs, aimed at helping EV owners use their vehicles to power homes, reduce bills and support the electricity grid.
Martin said the next step should be allowing EV home chargers to be included in novated leases.
“As the Government invests in vehicle-to-grid technology, the next logical step is to allow Australians to include EV home chargers in their novated leases,” he said.
“That would remove a significant barrier to EV adoption and help more households participate in the clean energy transition.”
- EV maintenance costs are falling — but don’t forget the inspections
Lower maintenance costs have long been part of the business case for electric vehicles, but fleets shouldn’t interpret fewer moving parts as meaning less attention needs to be paid to maintenance. That’s the warning from Eden Shirley, CEO and Co-founder of FleetGuru, who told fleet managers at Everything Electric Sydney that EVs introduce a different - Tesla Model Y wins 2026 Novated Lease Car of the YearThe Tesla Model Y has been named the 2026 Fleet News Group Novated Lease Car of the Year, after recording the highest number of novated leases among NALSPA members. Unlike the other vehicle categories in the Fleet News Group Awards program, the Novated Lease Car of the Year was not decided by a judging panel or
- Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo wins 2026 Fleet EV of the YearThe Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo has been named the 2026 Fleet EV of the Year in the Fleet News Group Awards, finishing ahead of two very different electric fleet propositions after assessment by fleet industry judges using Best Value Analysis. The Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo BEV 550 competed against the Toyota HiLux SR BEV 4×4 Double Cab Pickup and Kia EV5 Air
- Kia PV5 wins 2026 Fleet LCV of the YearThe Kia PV5 Cargo has been named the 2026 Fleet LCV of the Year in the Fleet News Group Awards, giving Kia an important win as electric commercial vehicles move further into mainstream fleet consideration. The Kia PV5 Cargo S 4D LR finished ahead of the Hyundai STARIA Load Hybrid and Isuzu D-MAX SX 2WD Single Cab, giving judges three very different
- Toyota Camry wins 2026 Fleet Car of the YearThe Toyota Camry Ascent Sport has been named the 2026 Fleet Car of the Year in the Fleet News Group Awards, reinforcing the continuing role hybrid vehicles can play in helping fleets reduce fuel use and emissions. The Camry finished ahead of the MG ZS Vibe CVT and Subaru Forester Hybrid AWD after assessment by fleet industry judges and Fleet News
