The federal government will be introducing a New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) for cleaner and cheaper-to-run cars. Australians are invited to consider the proposed design and implementation of NVES so that the federal government can incentivise global vehicle manufacturers to send cleaner, cheaper-to-run cars to Australia.

The Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) has congratulated the federal government on driving Australia into the global mainstream through the introduction of NVES.

“This announcement from the federal government, when legislated, will give Australians a greater choice for the cars they want and put money back in their pockets through lower fuel bills. Within a few short years, it will mean the average family will not have to spend as much on imported petrol, which we know is hugely volatile on price,” EVC chief executive Behyad Jafari says.

“Australia has always been at the back of the queue when it comes to the best and cheapest electric vehicles because car makers have been incentivised to offer them elsewhere first. That should end now with this policy, and Australian car buyers should notice the change very quickly.”

Vehicle efficiency standards are common around the world to encourage vehicle suppliers to sell cleaner cars with these standards helping vehicle owners to save money at the petrol pump, provide more choice about the cars bought and reducing transport emissions, improving the air quality that people breathe.

Published on 4 February 2024, The Cleaner, Cheaper to Run Cars: An Australian New Vehicle Efficiency Standard Consultation Impact Analyses sets out the options considered for the design of the NVES, as well as the Government’s preferred design.

The New Vehicle Efficiency Standard—Cleaner and Cheaper to run Cars for Australia consultation page available for public comment with  submissions closing at 11.59pm on 4 March 2024.