Australia’s peak motoring body welcomes the Federal Government’s decision to develop a fuel efficiency standard to boost uptake of low and zero emissions vehicles.

The AAA looks forward to consultations over the design of the standard to ensure Australian motorists, including the 8.9 million members of our affiliated motoring clubs, can access the safest and cleanest light vehicles available on the global market at least cost.
While the standard is important, the Government must also address the fact that the shift to EVs in coming years will reduce the revenue it collects as fuel excise, cutting funding available for road investment.

AAA managing director Michael Bradley said: “Roads don’t build themselves. It is critical that the transition to low and zero emissions technology includes a serious plan to secure solid funding streams for road construction and maintenance into the future.
“The AAA believes electric and other zero emission vehicles should be brought into the tax system as soon as possible, but initially at a discounted rate to avoid disincentivising take-up.’’

The AAA backed a fuel efficiency standard in our submission to last year’s EV Strategy discussion paper, calling for a sensible, market-based approach to reduce carbon emissions while prioritising consumer choice and affordability.

Mr Bradley said: “Without a fuel efficiency standard, car manufacturers won’t prioritise the sale of their most technologically advanced products to the Australian market. This would deny Australian motorists access to low and zero emissions vehicles best suited to their individual needs.’’

The AAA calls on political parties to set aside partisanship and work together to create a transition blueprint capable of lasting across multiple governments and parliamentary terms. Australia needs participation from across the Parliament to balance the need to reduce carbon emissions with the needs of motorists across the nation, including in rural and regional areas.

AAA Media contact:

Matthew Franklin, Director – External Affairs, 0411 659 868, [email protected]

The AAA is the nation’s peak motoring body, representing Australia’s state-based motoring clubs and their 8.9 million members. The AAA is an apolitical and technology-neutral advocate for federal transport policy that improves safety, affordability, and mobility.