The Queensland Government has released its Electric Vehicle Strategy, a nation-leading strategy detailing how the state can capture the myriad benefits offered by a transition to electric vehicles.
The State Government’s Electric Vehicle Strategy, ‘The Future is Electric’, includes the creation of a Queensland Electric Super Highway network, a regional charging rollout, and transitioning the government’s vehicles to electric.
The strategy outlines sixteen cost-effective programs that the Queensland Government is implementing to start the process of preparing for the transition to electric vehicles (EV) in Queensland.
Collectively, these programs aim to:
- Empower consumers to learn about this new technology and to make informed choices
- Increase the uptake of EVs by government, commercial fleets and the community
- Improve EV model availability in Queensland and Australia
- Support the efficient rollout of EV infrastructure
- Foster growth in EV technology innovation
Encouraging the uptake of electric vehicles (EV) supports the Queensland Government’s commitment to playing its part in the global effort to address the impacts of climate change and ensure the long-term viability of the state’s economy, communities and industries.
Given the full emissions reduction benefits of EVs can only be realised if these vehicles are charged using renewable energy, the Queensland Government is also actively pursuing credible pathways to decarbonise its electricity sector including: setting a target for one million rooftops or 3000MW of solar photovoltaics in Queensland by 2020; supporting up to 150MW of solar generation through its Solar 150 initiative; and a commitment to meeting a state target of 50 per cent renewable energy generation by 2030.
Electric Vehicle Council of Australia CEO, Behyad Jafari, said, “The world’s largest automotive markets have recognised the enormous benefits of electric vehicles, with countries like China, France and the UK announcing they will ban the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles altogether. But Australia has remained the world’s electric vehicle laggard, with only 0.1 per cent of new vehicle sales.
“Today, Queensland has lit the way forward for the nation. The benefit of this leadership to Queensland businesses, households, and the environment will be significant in the years ahead.
“The benefits of electric vehicles are so clear that all that is needed is a little support from government to dislodge the boulder from the top of the mountain.
“Our research shows the majority of Australians would be willing to purchase an electric vehicle, but hesitate because they don’t know if the technology is supported by government and infrastructure. This plan removes that obstacle by sending an unambiguous message to the community and industry: Queensland supports the transition to electric vehicles. We implore the other states and the Federal Government to follow Queensland’s outstanding lead.”
Mr Jafari said with an enviable supply of renewable energy options, mineral resources, and innovative thinking, Queensland is now well-placed to play a significant role in the future of the electric vehicle industry.
“Australia has the world’s fourth largest supply of lithium and other mineral resources required to make the batteries in electric vehicles, but industry investment has been stalled by the lack of support for its domestic electric vehicle market,” Mr Jafari said.
“Today’s announcement puts Queensland in a national leadership position to attract greater economic investment and create jobs to support a transition already well under way globally.”
