Published 26-04-2016

TECH GIANTS CALL ON AUSTRALIA TO JOIN THE ELECTRIC CAR REVOLUTION

19-04-2016

A broad group of researchers and industry bodies have called the Australian government to support electric vehicles, which could lower car emissions by 47%

The group, which includes giants in the tech industry such as Tesla, is asking for tax incentives, like rebate on registration, and reduced parking costs for electrical cars in cities as a means to further incentiveise the concept.

"We need to make it more financially appealing for consumers to consider purchasing electric vehicles," Swinburne pro vice-chancellor, Ajay Kapoor, says.

"This could include incentives such as exempting them from fringe benefits tax, providing rebates on their car registration and reduced parking costs in the CBD."

Although there seems to be an interest in switching to solar electricity, with 15% of Aussie homes topped with solar panels, there seems to very little action or initiative in regards to electric cars.

"In recent years, market share of [Electric Vehicles] EVs has reached as high as 0.75 percent in the US, 0.58 percent in Japan, and up to 1.1 percent in the UK - while they make up only a paltry 0.01 percent of the Australian market." Said Hayley Williams says over at Gizmodo.

This low rate isn’t because of the Australian populous holding onto their petrol cars, but rather, because of the Luxury Car Tax. Said tax adds a tax rate of 33% if the electric car is worth more that $75000. 

The campaign group, which is co-ordinated ClimateWorks, a non-for-profit organisation, have said that the adoption of electric cars could cut emissions down by 19-47%.

"Electric vehicles are the solar panels of the automotive industry. With the right support, we could see a rapid uptake that would have positive outcomes for our health, the economy and for consumers," ClimateWorks CEO Anna Skarbek said in a press release.

The call is asking for electrical cars to be as cheap and convenient for consumers as possible, solutions range from stamp duty discounts, toll lane exceptions and charging stations Australia-wide.

"Most electric vehicle charging is done at work and at home. Therefore, we’re encouraging federal and state governments to work with developers to ensure that all new multi-dwelling buildings, apartments and office buildings have electric vehicle charging planned and built from construction," Kapoor said.

"Combined with targeted programs aimed at encouraging workplace and home charging, this could make electric vehicle use more convenient and affordable."

There are high hopes for Australia to join the electric car revolution, and the government to incentiveise the movement. 

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