The move to phase out new fossil fuel-powered vehicles in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) from 2035 is the first of its kind in Australia and will apply to new light vehicles, including passenger cars, motorcycles, and small commercial trucks.
It will also be backed up by an electric vehicle sales target, with between 80 to 90 per cent of new vehicle sales in 2030 to be zero-emission models.
Behyad Jafari, chief executive of the Electric Vehicle Council, said the ACT was leading the nation in a smooth, affordable transition to zero emissions.
“The ACT Government is making the tough reform decisions now to ease an inevitable transition that’s only a decade away,” said Mr Jafari.
“The Territory has shone a green light to car makers and charging manufacturers to come and invest now.”
“By setting long term targets in line with climate science, Canberrans will benefit from cheaper electric vehicles that cost a fraction to run,” Mr Jafari said.
“The new 2035 ban is achievable and in the best interests of us all. The International Energy Agency tells us it is absolutely necessary to achieve net zero by 2050.
“Nearly a majority (42%) of the world’s car market have incoming bans on light combustion engines, while 16 car makers are phasing out petrol and diesel cars. Five years ago, both those numbers were zero. Can you imagine what the world will look like five years from now?”
The strategy also includes financial incentives to remove the major barrier to people taking up electric vehicles. Mr Jafari said the comprehensive plan should be reviewed and adapted by other governments.