The MTA WA responds to National Electric Vehicle Strategy

With the Federal Government looking to significantly accelerate the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs), the MTA WA and its state counterparts undertook a study tour of Europe and the United Kingdom in September. The purpose of the trip was to look at how leaders in the transition to EVs managed the process and to gain a better understanding of the changing landscape that zero and low-emission vehicles (ZLEVs) are likely to bring to the automotive industry in Australia. 

The delegation visited automotive industry associations, individual repair shops, dealerships and manufacturers, and met with policy makers across Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany and the UK. The level of engagement was broad and detailed enough to provide a basis through which the motor trade associations could take an informed position, to their members and to government. 

In a timely fashion, the Federal Government released its white paper titled the "National Electric Vehicle Strategy" shortly after the delegation's return from Europe. The discussion paper is intended to raise a series of scenarios through which government, industry and local communities can work collectively on a series of initiatives designed to lessen, and eventually remove, around 18 percent of Australia’s CO2 emissions created by the car, truck and transport fleet. 

The MTA WA agrees with the goal of reducing emissions produced by the transport fleet and is committed to increasing the uptake of EVs. However, this transition must be done using accurate data and realistic targets. We are therefore pleased to share that we recently submitted our response to government to help inform the country's targets, expectations and overall framework for EVs. The MTA WA's submission has now been made available publicly here: http://bit.ly/3GrlyRY

The future holds enormous opportunities as well as a number of challenges, and the MTA WA looks forward to working with government to develop a well-considered, balanced approach to shaping the future of transport in Australia.