Australian motorists could gain access to cleaner cars with lower emissions under proposed changes to the standard of fuel quality available around the country.
Inviting feedback on improving the quality standards, a draft Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) has been prepared by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water which could pave the way for Euro 6d standards that require lower levels of noxious emissions.
According to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, Australia’s current fuel quality standards were limiting access to lower emission vehicles.
Mr Bowen said adopting Euro 6d would improve the choice Australian consumers had when buying their next car and support more model choices costing less to run.
“Closer alignment with best-practice international fuel standards would ensure that consumers will have confidence that new vehicles will operate effectively in Australia,” Mr Bowen said.
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Catherine King said estimates put the value of lowering noxious emissions through Euro 6d standards at $4.9 billion from 2025 to 2050.
“Implementing improved fuel quality and noxious emissions standards will result in improved air quality and better health outcomes,” Ms King said.
“They will also ensure the cleanest vehicle technology works as intended.”
Opening consultation on its draft RIS, the Department said the improved standards would see new vehicles produce less emissions on Australian roads from 2025.
“New light vehicles in Australia must meet the Euro 5 standard for noxious emissions,” the Department said.
“During a 2020 consultation into the introduction of Euro 6d, vehicle importers told us that fuel quality standards need improving before the introduction of the new standard,” it said.
“This is because fuel quality can affect the operability of that latest emissions control systems in advanced petrol engines.”
The Department said consultation on the draft RIS was open until 16 December.
Further information on the proposed fuel quality standards can be accessed at this PS News link.
