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A Parliament of Australia inquiry into the transition to electric vehicles has received 142 submissions from individuals and stakeholders across the country.
The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy and Water determined to have the inquiry in January 2024 following a referral from Minister Chris Bowen.
Chair of the Committee, Mr Tony Zappia MP, said “Australian motorists are increasingly choosing EVs when purchasing a new car.
“The percentage of EVs sold is growing every year, moving to 7.2 per cent of all new cars sold in 2023 up from less than 3 per cent in 2022.
“The inquiry will consider the necessary resources, systems and infrastructure for this transition and the impacts of moving away from traditional vehicles.
“The Committee will also explore opportunities such as fuel savings and affordability for residents in outer regions to make this shift beneficial for everyone.
“Our focus will also be on the future of EV battery manufacturing, and we will consider challenges on electricity consumption and demand and our limited EV supply compared to other countries,’ Mr Zappia said.
The terms of reference for the inquiry included an examination of: the establishment of resources, systems and infrastructure required to support transition to EVs; the impact of moving from internal combustion engine vehicles, including fuel excise loss, existing auto industry component manufacturers and the environment; the opportunities for fuel savings, such as by combining EVs with other consumer energy technologies and savings for outer suburban and regional motorists.
It will also examine the impact on electricity consumption and demand, opportunities for expanding EV battery manufacturing, recycling, disposal and safety, and other opportunities for Australia in the automotive value chain to support the ongoing maintenance of EVs; the impact of Australia’s limited EV supply compared to peer countries, and any other relevant matters.
Since June, the committee has conducted public hearings in Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide.
Those giving evidence have included power networks, academics, motoring companies, government departments, EV manufacturers and battery experts.
‘The Committee will also hear from peak bodies and associations that will provide a customer and industry focus on what Australia’s future needs might be to support the country through the transition to electric vehicles. This is the first of a series of public hearings to be held across Australia.’ Mr Zappia said.
The submissions can be found here.
