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The Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTAQ) welcomes the Federal Government's Future Fuels and Vehicle Strategy announced by the Prime Minister. The national plan is an important first step in Australia’s journey toward zero emissions.

The strategy unveiled a heavy focus on the rolling out of charging stations, which is an excellent building block to having more  electric vehicles (EVs) on the roads and includes a contribution of about $500 million in partnerships to build more charging infrastructure.

The policy falls short of removing the luxury car tax on EVs but it is promising that the government will work with the Australian Tax Office to look into taxes on EVs.

The number of electric cars, buses and bikes on Queensland roads has almost doubled in the past twelve months, with an 86 per cent increase. According to the latest figures from the Department of Transport and Main Roads there are 5,266 registered fully electric vehicles on Queensland roads. By June 2021, those 5,266 EVs have stopped an estimated 500 tonnes in carbon dioxide exhaust emissions. More charging stations will support the continuance of this impressive trajectory.

MTA Queensland Group CEO, Rod Camm said, “new charging stations are helpful, however that will not incentivise the uptake of EVs until there are sufficient quantities for market forces to take over and put pressure on price.

"Any future focused strategy needs to address three things: the price gap between EVs and non-EVs, encouraging a wider range of electric vehicles, including mobility solutions through national policy and more needs to be known about charging options and range.

“The next phase of the strategy should holistically consider a range of aspects related to zero emissions vehicles, including targets, taxation considerations, consumer charging preferences, future infrastructure locations and electricity grid impacts, and incentives to encourage electric vehicle take-up including concepts like a 'cash-back' scheme,” said Camm.

 

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