Joint media release: Submissions to fuel efficiency standard consultation back greater access to modern, safer, cheaper-to-run cars

The Hon Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government

The Hon Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy

As part of the Government’s public consultation process, around 1,200 submissions from individuals and organisations are being released today. 

The submissions overwhelmingly support the introduction of a FES, which is expected to boost local access to cheaper-to-run cars that are also cleaner for the environment. 

The submissions are now informing an impact analysis and our preferred model which will be released before the end of this year.

The FES will save Australians money, unlock greater choice of modern, safer cars, and help us achieve our critical emissions reduction target of 43 per cent below 2005 levels.

We are already seeing the price of electric vehicles drop as domestic competition and demand increases.

There are currently three electric vehicle models in Australia priced under $40,000, which is below the average new car price of $50,000.

An Australian FES will only apply to new vehicles sold in Australia and will encourage even more models and more choice for consumers.

To sign up for updates on this work, or to view the published submissions, visit www.cleanercars.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King:

"For too long, Australia has lagged behind international vehicle markets, meaning Australians miss out on a range of overseas models and the benefits they bring.

“Thank you to everyone who took the time to have their say – I look forward to continuing to work across government, industry and communities to progress a FES that will make a real difference for Australia.” 

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen:

“The response to our FES consultation reinforces overwhelming support for the Government’s position: Australia needs fuel efficiency standards that make us competitive with other parts of the world for cleaner, cheaper-to-run cars.”