The NSW Government’s package of intelligent and balanced reforms have made New South Wales the only state in Australia to sit amongst the advanced global pack on electric vehicle policy, according to the Electric Vehicle Council of Australia.
“World leaders from California to the United Kingdom have policies to turbo-charge the transition to electric vehicles and capture the abundant economic, health, and environmental benefits. Today New South Wales has stepped up to stand amongst them,” said Electric Vehicle Council chief executive Behyad Jafari.
“This package, frankly, represents how grown-ups do reform – consultative, balanced, and longsighted. Many Australian governments have announced EV ‘plans,’ sometimes even ‘plans to have a plan’, but New South Wales is the first state to step up and deliver real action.
“This reform package will ensure New South Wales cleans its streets of exhaust and noise, lowers health costs, reduces carbon emissions, and breaks its dependence on foreign oil. Simultaneously it ensures tax revenue will flow fairly from road users as the transition unfolds.
“Jurisdictions around the world that have taken this path have seen billions in investment flow toward them. New South Wales residents will now see more places to charge their cars and innovative EV-oriented businesses flourish.
“Vitally, they will see the world’s leading manufacturers offering their most affordable EV models to the state. Currently there is a strong incentive to reserve these less expensive models for overseas markets. That changes with this announcement. New South Wales residents with tight budgets will finally be able to escape the weekly punishment of the petrol pump.
“The NSW Government has set the pace for the other states of Australia. Unless they want to see themselves lapped by the Premier State they will look to replicate New South Wales’ smart thinking very quickly.”
The Electric Vehicle Council is appreciative of the community and industry stakeholders who contributed toward the process that led to the announcement of today’s reforms, including the important role of the NRMA.
