The Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources has released a discussion paper to invite feedback on its final Future Fuels Strategy.
Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, Angus Taylor said the Strategy outlined a vision to create an environment that enabled consumer choice; stimulated industry development; and reduced emissions in the road transport sector.
“The paper considers the role of a mix of technologies, including traditional fuel, hybrid, hydrogen fuel cell, electric and bio-fuelled vehicles,” Mr Taylor said.
“Australians are already making the choice to switch to new vehicle technologies where it makes the most economic sense, with hybrid sales doubling last year,” he said.
“We are optimistic about how quickly the technology cost will reduce for other electric vehicles compared to traditional cars, making it an easier choice for consumers.”
Mr Taylor said the discussion paper showed that closing the cost gap between traditional cars and electric vehicles through Government subsidies didn’t represent value-for-money for taxpayers and was an expensive form of abatement.
The Minister said the Government would focus on three principles to support the future fuels sector, including addressing barriers to the roll out of new vehicle technologies to increase consumer choice; investing in early-stage technologies to stimulate the market and drive private sector investment; and giving Australians access to the right information to help them make informed choices.
The Department’s 39-page Future Fuels Strategy Discussion Paper, including information on how to have a say, can be accessed at this PS News link.