The great thing about the EV debate is the distinct line between supporters and non-supporters. Both sides get really passionate on social media with the negative fake news often winning the eyeballs of fence sitters pulling them towards the conspiracy theories.
I’m an EV supporter, and an optimist, so helping fleets transition to electric vehicles is a positive move from all angles. There’s so much economic opportunity and positive health benefits to be gained from low and zero emission vehicles that I find it hard to see a downside. Though I do remove the rose-coloured glasses often enough to be aware of the challenges and obstacles in making all vehicles electric.
Last week the Federal Government announced an enquiry into the national transition to electric vehicles. So now everyone has an opportunity to take their social media rants and articulate them to the government.
It might be a challenge for some of the ‘experts’ to remove the obscenities, discover Grammarly, and expand their arguments beyond five or six words. Even if they don’t I’m sure The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water will get the point they’re trying to make.
Chair of the Committee, Mr 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 House of Representatives Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water will inquire into and report on the transition to electric vehicles (EVs), with regard to:
- 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.
