New Fuel Efficiency Standard. What’s not to like?

There is much to like about the Australian Government’s proposed legislation for a New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) to lower carbon emissions and improve access to cost-saving, low carbon, fuel-efficient vehicles.

Perth Hills Climate Interest Group supports the NVES initiative because it will:

• Improve the fuel efficiency of all new cars, whether petrol, diesel, electric or hybrid and limit the dumping of ‘dirty’ carbon polluting vehicles into the Australian market. 
• Deliver health benefits by reducing vehicle emissions: research shows pollution from fossil-fuel cars, trucks and buses is the probable cause of over 11,100 deaths, almost 20,000 hospitalisations and 66,000 asthma cases annually in Australia.
• Save drivers money estimated at around $1,200 to $1,800 per year or more. New vehicles in Australia use about 20% more fuel than in the USA, which has a fuel efficiency standard. Electric vehicles (EVs) have none of these costs to worry about.

Cap the amount of carbon emissions across a manufacturer’s overall new car sales, meaning they must offer low and zero emission new vehicles to avoid penalties. This will incentivise car makers to increase supply and choice for Australians and boost the range and affordability of low and zero emission vehicles (EVs) in Australia. 

Although the government’s preferred legislation has been diluted to address some objections from car manufacturers, the legislation, while not perfect, is still far better than having no Standard. 

What’s not to like about better choice and access to affordable EVs for drivers, or to reduce the costs for those who prefer petrol/diesel vehicles, and in the process create a healthier living environment?

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