Polestar is urging the Federal Government to remain committed to the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), amidst comments from industry about slowed EV sales.
Comments made by Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) Chief Executive, Tony Weber, suggest the NVES should be revised due to January and February electric vehicle (EV) retails – despite EV sales growth (4.7 per cent) outpacing the broader market (1.7 per cent) in 2024.
Polestar has criticised the comments, suggesting they aim to undermine the scheme.
“Efforts to undermine this legislation will only disadvantage Australians,” said head of Polestar Australia, Scott Maynard,.
“This week’s comments from the FCAI are the latest in a campaign to water down long-overdue emissions standards that will deliver Australians cleaner cars and lower running costs.
“The NVES was developed to lower vehicle emissions by incentivising carmakers to offer more hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric options, and we can clearly see car brands rising to that challenge.
“By the end of the year, Australian new car buyers will have over 100 battery electric vehicles available to them.
“Over 85 per cent of global car markets have a fuel efficiency standard in place to deliver improved health outcomes and reduce ownership costs. We must stay the course to see these benefits realised in Australia.”
Polestar withdrew from the FCAI in March 2024 due to the body’s reluctance to support the introduction of emissions regulations for new cars that would align Australia to global standards.
