Coalition may oppose Labor's vehicle emission standards

Australia's significant use of SUVs and fuel-consuming utes may become an important topic in the upcoming election. The opposition Coalition has suggested it may reconsider the vehicle emission standard introduced by the Labor government. Bridget McKenzie, the shadow transport minister, criticized the new national vehicle emission standard (NVES), calling it "poorly designed." She stated that the Coalition plans to release its own transport policy before the election, which will address the NVES. The NVES, enacted on January 1, sets limits on vehicle emissions for manufacturers. If companies exceed these limits, they face penalties of $100 for every additional gram of emissions. This standard aims to increase the availability of greener vehicles in the market and encourage competition, which should reduce prices for consumers. Despite the Coalition’s criticism, the Electric Vehicle Council reports that there are now over 120 electric vehicles (EVs) available in Australia, a notable increase from before the new standard. The council indicates that more Australians are buying EVs, with sales of electric and hybrid vehicles reaching 11.3% of all car sales in February, up from 9.3% last year. The opposition has labeled the NVES as a "tax" that unfairly impacts families and tradespeople who rely on larger vehicles. McKenzie insists that the standard could worsen the cost of living crisis for Australians. The government refutes this, stating the NVES is a necessary regulation to promote low-emission vehicles in Australia, which has lagged behind other developed nations in automotive standards. A report highlighted that Australian cars emit significantly more carbon dioxide than similar vehicles in other countries. While some industry leaders believe the NVES is effective, others argue that EV sales are not sufficient to meet government goals. The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries claims that pure electric vehicle sales actually decreased over the past year, despite the growing number of available models. Experts suggest that reaching climate targets may require reducing car usage overall. This includes improving options for public transport, biking, and walking, indicating that broader changes are needed alongside the new emission standards.