The Australian government is delivering more cars that are cheaper to run — providing motorists with more choices through the introduction of a New Vehicle Efficiency Standard.
A statement has been released by the government highlighting that the United States has had a similar policy in place for 50 years, however Australia still stands alongside Russia as one of the only advanced economies without a standard.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said: “Because of a lack of action on an Efficiency Standard, Australian families are paying around $1000 a year more than they need to be for their annual fuel bill.
“We’re giving Australians more choice to spend less on petrol, by catching up with the U.S– this will save Australian motorists $100bn in fuel costs to 2050.”
The government has recently published the Cleaner, Cheaper to Run Cars: An Australian New Vehicle Efficiency Standard Consultation Impact Analysis which sets out the options considered for the design of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard, as well as the government’s preferred design.
The ‘New Vehicle Efficiency Standard’ will push car makers to give Australian motorists more choices of new cars, utes and vans that use less fuel and that have until now only been available to buyers in overseas markets.
The preferred model for the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard, made available today on cleanercars.gov.au, has been under development since the government committed to the standard last year — to ensure it strikes the right balance in giving Australians more choice while using less petrol.
More vehicle options will not only encourage Australians to choose more fuel-efficient vehicles, but will also make it easier for them to decide to do their part in decreasing their transport emissions and total carbon footprint.
If Australia catches up with the standard in the U.S. by around 2028, Australians stand to save about $1,000 per vehicle per year.
The standard will only apply to new passenger and light commercial vehicles — not used or existing vehicles.
They work by providing car companies with targets for average emissions per kilometre from new vehicles sold.
The Nstandard will deliver more vehicles to Australia with the latest engine and design technologies to ensure lower fuel bills.
The government will also consult on the preferred model for a month and introduce the legislation as soon as possible, with the new cost saving rules to come into effect by 1 January 2025.
The Impact Analysis and ways to have your say are available at www.cleanercars.gov.au.
