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Driving lower carbon emissions

NCR FCAI Low emissions

The FCAI has released a three-point plan calling on the Government to agree on the destination, remove roadblocks and go the distance to help combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions.

Chief Executive Tony Weber said the first and most important step is for the Government to set an emissions reduction target for carmakers that reflects global standards and local needs.

“Once the target is set, FCAI members are well placed to provide the technology mix needed to reach it. The ultimate goal is a fully decarbonised car fleet, but to get there a mix of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery electric and efficient internal combustion engine vehicles will be needed.”

Weber added: “An emissions reduction target complemented by incentives will help move our nation up the global vehicle supply list and ensure Australians can access the low emission vehicles they want to drive.”

As the industry peak body, and together with other parts of the transport sector, we have a role to play in combating climate change and reducing carbon emissions while ensuring consumer choice. A principled approach is needed and working together, meaningful change and significant outcomes can be achieved. This three-point plan sets out how.

  1. Agree on a destination
  • Set a national emissions reduction target for car-makers that reflects global standards and local needs.
  • The technology mix that will best enable the target to be reached will then be identified based on availability, acceleration, allocation and consumer needs.
  • The ultimate destination is decarbonisation, but to get there a mix of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery electric, hydrogen and efficient internal combustion is needed.
  1. Remove the roadblocks
  • Replace impediments with incentives such as public, private and fleet charging and hydrogen refuelling, free parking / charging and access to transit lanes and set government fleet procurement targets.
  • A policy that allows for a technology mix that reflects consumer choice, market realities and global vehicle availability is needed.
  • To help further decarbonisation, adopt an international standard of fuel quality
  1. Go the distance
  • Australia’s vastness means more vehicles travel greater distances, more often.
  • Investment in the recharging network / electricity grid is needed to meet the needs of Australia’s growing fleet of decarbonised vehicles.
  • A lack of investment has the potential to undermine the whole system
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