AAP | All new cars should be electric by 2035 'at the latest'
Wednesday 31 May 2023
Every new car sold in Australia should be electric by 2035 "at the latest" and bold vehicle pollution limits should start next year, submissions to the federal government recommend.
Climate, health and vehicle groups proposed the changes as part of the government's consultation on a fuel-efficiency standard, submissions on which closed on Wednesday.
The standard, due to be introduced later this year, is expected to set a cap on transport emissions to encourage car makers to import more battery-powered vehicles.
Climate and Health Alliance chief executive Roland Sapsford said the law would be an important step towards improving air quality and health outcomes in Australia.
"Without a fuel-efficiency standard, Australians are exposed to dangerous air pollution and an array of serious health conditions, particularly in children," he said.
"Exposure to transport-related air pollution may permanently stunt lung growth in children under 15 years, leading to other cardio-respiratory impacts throughout their lives."
The alliance wants the government to set a limit of 95 grams of carbon emissions per kilometre for new vehicles from mid-2024.
The limit, it said, should be raised annually until transport reached zero emissions by 2035.
Mr Sapsford said the 95-gram limit, which would match current European rules, would help reduce the prevalence of asthma and other respiratory conditions.
The Australian Electric Vehicle Association echoed the call for a 95-gram limit from next year, with national president Dr Chris Jones saying the cap should apply to all light vehicles under 4.5 tonnes including dual-cab utes and four-wheel drives.
Read the full article by Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson in the Canberra Times
Image: Ivan Radic / Climate Visuals by Climate Outreach
