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Expert Reaction
These comments have been collated by the Science Media Centre to provide a variety of expert perspectives on this issue. Feel free to use these quotes in your stories. Views expressed are the personal opinions of the experts named. They do not represent the views of the SMC or any other organisation unless specifically stated.
Associate Professor Nesimi Ertugrul is from the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology at The University of Adelaide
As the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) continues to grow worldwide, challenges related to power grid interactions, infrastructure limitations, and regulatory frameworks have come to the forefront. Despite these obstacles, it is expected that EV-related technology will undergo significant advancements in the coming decades.
With electrification and energy efficiency being crucial for achieving net-zero emissions targets, the current heavily-subsidized and conventional EV charging infrastructure, along with grid connections, are likely to undergo major changes driven by emerging technologies.
New transistors, set to replace legacy devices within the next decade, offer numerous advantages such as smaller size and weight, high-temperature operation, and increased efficiency. Consequently, the future of EVs will likely involve:
• The integration of new devices into a compact format, incorporating fast-charging and intelligent hardware directly into the vehicle;
• The use of household-level battery storage systems to create a curb-side EV charging and power network, effectively minimizing grid impact;
• Seamless connections to smart power points for increased convenience;
• Enhanced grid reliability, power system security, and grid capacity to support further electrification.
Additionally, hydrogen fuel cells are predicted to become the primary power source for large-scale EVs, such as trucks, buses, trams, trains, and mining equipment, leveraging the same cutting-edge technology. This transition will shape the future of electric transportation and contribute to a more sustainable, efficient, and interconnected energy landscape.
Dr Andrea La Nauze is from the Australian Institute of Business and Economics at The University of Queensland
The Federal Government has announced it will pursue a fuel efficiency standard as part of broader efforts to support the electrification of transport. A fuel efficiency standard is good economics for three reasons. First, while our vehicles run on petrol the more fuel we use the more carbon and local air pollution we produce, and more efficient vehicles produce fewer emissions. Depending on the stringency of the standards, the climate and health benefits alone could outweigh the costs.
Second, when people buy cars, they may not fully factor in the differences in running costs across vehicles. If that’s the case then on average they tend to buy more petrol guzzling vehicles that are cheaper up front but cost more over their lifetime. Fuel efficiency standards generally make fuel efficient vehicles cheaper relative to inefficient vehicles, pushing consumers to purchase vehicles with lower lifetime costs.
Finally, policy supports like fuel efficiency standards have long-run benefits for new technologies like electric vehicles. Because they stimulate the production of new technologies, they help manufacturers perfect their processes and stimulate innovation, which brings down the cost of manufacturing the vehicles and therefore the sticker price consumers face.
Associate Professor Nesimi Ertugrul is from the School, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology at The University of Adelaide
As the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) continues to grow worldwide, challenges related to power grid interactions, infrastructure limitations, and regulatory frameworks have come to the forefront. Despite these obstacles, it is expected that EV-related technology will undergo significant advancements in the coming decades.
With electrification and energy efficiency being crucial for achieving net-zero emissions targets, the current heavily-subsidized and conventional EV charging infrastructure, along with grid connections, are likely to undergo major changes driven by emerging technologies.
New transistors, set to replace legacy devices within the next decade, offer numerous advantages such as smaller size and weight, high-temperature operation, and increased efficiency. Consequently, the future of EVs will likely involve:
• The integration of new devices into a compact format, incorporating fast-charging and intelligent hardware directly into the vehicle;
• The use of household-level battery storage systems to create a curb-side EV charging and power network, effectively minimizing grid impact;
• Seamless connections to smart power points for increased convenience;
• Enhanced grid reliability, power system security, and grid capacity to support further electrification.
Additionally, hydrogen fuel cells are predicted to become the primary power source for large-scale EVs, such as trucks, buses, trams, trains, and mining equipment, leveraging the same cutting-edge technology. This transition will shape the future of electric transportation and contribute to a more sustainable, efficient, and interconnected energy landscape.
Dr Foad Taghizadeh is a lecturer in the School of Engineering at Macquarie University
Initiatives for charging infrastructures in apartments:
A main barrier to EV uptake is the lack of public charging infrastructure in many parts of Australia. This makes it difficult for drivers to take long trips in their EVs and that can cause range of anxieties. EV owners with charging facilities at their own residence can take advantage of charging their EVs without travelling for long distances and with cheaper electricity rates, especially during off-peak hours.
However, for those residents who live in apartments facilitated with charging spots, there are some additional barriers such as limited access to charging infrastructure, limited charging spots, or difficulty obtaining permission for the charging infrastructure. For apartment renters, the uncertainty of future residency could be another barrier to investing in a charging infrastructure, as they may not be able to take the infrastructure with them when they move out.
It is important to address these barriers in the new standard. The new strategy should include initiatives to encourage local governments to work with building management or strata committees to fund and install charging infrastructure in apartment areas. Additionally, initiatives should encourage renters to consider portable charging options or public charging infrastructure available in their area.
Professor Rocco Zito is Head of Engineering in the College of Science and Engineering at Flinders University
It is pleasing to see that the government is introducing the first electric vehicle strategy and vehicle fuel efficiency standards. This is the start of bringing Australia up to where most of the world is on their vehicle emissions and electric vehicle policies.
However, here in Australia, our EV policies and efficiency standards need to consider the points of difference that separate us from the rest of the world.
Namely, our renewable energy potential for EV charging needs to be reflected in any incentives or opportunities that are being recommended for EV uptake.
Also, Australia is a country that imports its passenger vehicles, hence our ability to influence overseas OEM [Original Equipment Manufacturer] vehicle manufacturers has been low since Australia stopped manufacturing vehicles many years ago.
We are just starting our low and zero vehicle emission journey, but it is a journey I am glad we are starting.
Dr Asma Aziz is a Lecturer in Power Engineering at School of Engineering at Edith Cowan University
Electric vehicle strategy is a promising step for reducing transport-based emissions. This announcement opens plenty of opportunities and would require further clarification in this domain. To develop a local EV value chain and increased EV uptake for future prosperity, we should have a strong local market for EV which explicitly draws attention to the importance of 'putting consumers first', noting that high market complexity can lead to poor results, particularly for vulnerable customers.
The availability of charging infrastructure is the most important driver for boosting the adoption of EVs. There is a general lack of information and awareness around charging infrastructure development and management for commercial and residential consumers, especially for those operating from or living in shared premises. Deployment of charging infrastructure will also necessitate appropriate approval processes, cost equity, energy consumption billing, and charging technology adoption regulation. Operators of EVs are unlikely to switch to electric vehicles if the charging process is more difficult, time-consuming, and involves cost equity issues. If EV uptake strategy is not properly managed, these opportunities could turn into problems.
Associate Professor Mehdi Seyedmahmoudian is Director of the Siemens Swinburne Energy Transition Hub and is from the School of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies at Swinburne University of Technology
In line with the global trend of EV uptake, the federal government’s new announcement regarding EV strategy is viewed as a positive indication of moving towards sustainable transportation. Targeting three major precincts, namely EV supply, infrastructure, and customer demand, is a smart choice taken by the authorities and is a vital step towards achieving our national Net Zero ambitions.
Comparing the EVs’ 3.8% share of the annual car sales in Australia with the global 9% average, taking actions by governmental authorities seems more crucial than before. In this regard, the new fuel efficiency standards may significantly contribute to improving the uptake of EVs.
As another major concern, the government has appropriately paid specific attention to the development of charging infrastructure throughout the country. The $500m governmental commitment to construct fast-charging implies a substantial positive attitude towards this industry, amongst the policymakers. However, along with developing the charging infrastructures, improving our electricity grid hosting capacity is a key element that needs to be improved at the same time. In this regard, renewable energy sources can be quite a reasonable, yet attractive option to improve our electricity grid capabilities.
All in all, the new government announcement on EV strategy brings positivity and enthusiasm towards the next generation of transportation and accelerates our transition towards a greener future in the projection.
Professor Timothy Minchin is a Senior Lecturer in History at La Trobe University
In Australia, reviving the car industry will take similar bold investment and risk-taking. Another recent Carmichael Centre report concluded Australia needs a 'concerted, systematic industrial policy for EV manufacturing' to take advantage of the 'enormous' and 'exciting' opportunities.
Australia has crucial advantages, especially as vehicle makers place a high value on the availability of a workforce with industry experience. These workers are ageing, however, as are the buildings where they toiled. Time is of the essence.
Kylie Walker is CEO of The Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE)
The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering has welcomed the National Electric Vehicle (EV) Strategy launched today as a critical step in making Australia a significant player in the global electric vehicle (EV) industry.
ATSE welcomes the introduction of fuel efficiency standards to reduce EV costs and incentivise national adoption. Making EVs accessible and affordable to all Australians is fundamental for reaching the nation’s 2030 and 2050 climate change commitments.
The establishment of national standards for EV charging infrastructure, underpinned by the enormous opportunity to leverage technological solutions, like energy storage, and optimisation of EV charging, will help ensure energy grid resilience and vehicle uptake.
The Academy welcomes the Government’s focus on addressing end-of-life waste from EVs and investment in research into safe and environmentally friendly component recycling and re-use. However, second-hand markets for EVs are in their infancy and more regulatory support is needed to build these markets. This will help reduce the cost of EVs, making them available to more Australians.
The emphasis on Australia’s enviable endowment of critical minerals is also welcome. Australia’s mineral resources will be essential for cementing our role in the EV supply chain. With abundant critical mineral wealth, a strong capacity to generate and store renewable energy and world-class battery research, Australia has every opportunity to seize the EV opportunity. Minerals like lithium and other rare earth materials can be processed in Australia and transformed into new components like vehicle parts, batteries and motors.
As we transition to net zero, Australia can become a global superpower in green energy technology, manufacturing and infrastructure, accelerated by global adoption of EVs and renewable energy sources.
To move Australia forward in EV capability, we need to: improve charging infrastructure; optimise charging practices to ensure reliable electricity supply; and use more digital technologies to help minimise the environmental impact and improve EV production efficiency.
To build an EV industry that is capable of competing on the world stage at the scale we believe is possible – and to meet the huge demand for EVs – we must also unlock the potential of a future Australian car manufacturing workforce through upskilling and retraining.
Dr Scott Dwyer is Research Director at the Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney (UTS).
Australia is a large country with a low population density – 70% live in high-density urban centres around the coast and the rest in regional and remote areas. A national plan, therefore, needs to address this in terms of charging infrastructure. While the National EV strategy is an important milestone - and has a lot to like - its successful application relies on the states and in particular local councils. It will be up to them to ensure that EV charging is rolled out equitably and effectively so that all Australians can benefit.
Dr Kai Li Lim, the St Baker Fellow in E-Mobility at The University of Queensland
I warmly welcome the release of the Australian National EV Strategy, which marks a significant step forward in our journey towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.
The introduction of a Fuel Efficiency Standard as a headline initiative is a vital first move to increase access to a wider range of EV models and reduce transport emissions, which account for roughly 18% of Australia's total greenhouse gas emissions. This will boost supply and competition in the EV market, ultimately making electric vehicles more affordable for Australians.
Furthermore, the anticipated health benefits from reduced emissions cannot be understated. With its abundant natural and knowledge resources, Australia is well-positioned to support the EV circular economy and create new jobs. Our country has the potential for a thriving battery recycling industry, and we already excel in caravan manufacturing and EV charging infrastructure. For instance, Brisbane-based Tritium is a world leader in charging station production.
As someone involved in EV charging stations since 2016, I'm pleased to see the long-awaited adoption of national standards. As charging technology evolves, these standards are crucial for ensuring interoperability. Additionally, data sharing is essential for breaking data silos, allowing for a more cohesive understanding of EVs and their unique driving and charging landscape in Australia.
Our remote and regional areas present distinct challenges, but through collaboration with entities like Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads, we have developed effective frameworks for siting public DC charging stations. The next crucial steps for Australia are to set clear targets for EV uptake and emission standards, propelling us towards a greener, healthier, and more innovative future.
Dr Bjorn Sturmberg is a Senior Research Fellow in the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program from the School of Engineering at The Australian National University
The National Electric Vehicle Strategy sees a big road ahead for electric vehicles with more EV models on offer, more charging infrastructure in place, and more value from mining and manufacturing kept onshore.
The rubber will hit the road in the strategy's implementation, which relies on tight coordination with multiple major initiatives and policies. This should include greater coordination with, and investment in, public and active transport initiatives.
The introduction of a fuel efficiency standard is long overdue. Its absence has left Australia burdened with inefficient and expensive-to-run vehicles.
Peter Newman is the Professor of Sustainability at Curtin University
For the most part, the strategy is good news and it’s a big day when we can say we have hastened the end of oil. However, it also misses a few opportunities such as by not setting a phase-out date for petrol and diesel vehicles. Another important aspect of the new strategy is whether electric bikes and electric trackless trams have been given due attention as these are often overlooked in favour of electric cars despite being an important piece of the sustainability puzzle.
Dr Dia Adhikari Smith is a Research Fellow and Tritium Fellow in E-Mobility from the Dow Centre & School of Civil Engineering at The University of Queensland
The Australian transport sector has become the third largest and a rapidly growing contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Australia, constituting almost 19% of the nation's total emissions. Also, this sector is heavily reliant on fossil fuels and has a significant impact on society, including health, air pollution, noise, and environmental damage. Electric vehicles (EV) are gaining popularity worldwide due to their reduced emissions, lower running costs, and improved energy efficiency compared to traditional fossil fuel combustion engines.
The Australian government consulted with industry, unions, businesses, and other stakeholders on a National EV Strategy consultation paper released last year in September. Based on that feedback, Australia has just announced its first national EV strategy with a focus on improving the availability, affordability, and charging infrastructure for EVs. The strategy aims to reduce emissions, lower costs for vehicle owners, and expand the range of EV options in the country. The plan also includes an initiative to introduce a fuel efficiency standard, which is expected to help reduce carbon emissions by at least 3 million tonnes by 2030 and over 10 million tonnes by 2035.
The government has released a consultation paper to gather input on how the standard should be designed. The standard will set an average carbon emissions limit for all new light vehicles sold by each vehicle supplier in the market, with the goal of reducing fuel costs for motorists and increasing the supply and variety of EVs in Australia.
