Over 100 mayors and councillors from councils across the nation are urging the Federal Government to overhaul electric vehicle (EV) policies.
AAP has reported that 120 council officials from numerous Australian states and territories signed a letter urging the Albanese government to introduce fuel efficiency standards.
Australia does not have fuel-efficiency standards aimed at reducing vehicle emissions. Voluntary emissions reporting from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) figures revealed CO2 emissions per km were down in 2022 for light SUVs and passenger cars.
However, the figures found emissions for heavy SUVs and light commercial vehicles were up compared to targets.
Bendigo Mayor Andrea Metcalf said her municipality was struggling to meet EV targets. She said having a national fuel efficiency standard would help in hitting targets locally.
“The City of Bendigo has a goal to transition more than 100 light fleet vehicles by 2030, however we are held back by the limited options available in Australia at the right price point,” she said in the letter.
“We also know that some people in our community are in a similar position.”
Mitcham (SA) Mayor Heather Holmes-Ross said “the implementation of fuel-efficiency standards is essential if we are to lead out community in EV uptake.”
“We all need to act without delay,” she added.
It’s expected the Federal Government will address the issue in the lead-up to the May budget.