The Federal Government has formed a new parliamentary committee to explore Australia’s transition to electric vehicles.
The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water, formed the committee after recent data showed that the sales of electric vehicles doubled to 7.2 per cent of total new vehicle sales in 2023.
Tony Zappia MP, Chair of the Committee, said Australian motorists are increasingly choosing EVs when purchasing a new car.
“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.”
Geoff Gwilym, CEO of the Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA), said the MTAA encourages a robust discussion on how motorists can best move to a lower emissions future and that it is essential that those who know zero and low emissions vehicles (ZLEV) best – the automotive industry – contribute to the inquiry.
“Electrification is the biggest technology shift the automotive industry has experienced in over 100 years and will substantially affect those working in it. It’s vital, then, that the inquiry considers the requirements of Australia’s automotive workforce of around 380,000 people as motorists transition to this new technology.
“MTAA recommends a strategic approach to transition and that the Federal Government allocates adequate resources – including funds for upskilling the automotive workforce – to ensure its success.”
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