Global demand is driving the world’s largest vehicle manufacturers to develop new low emission vehicle technologies for a rapidly evolving market. Sales of low emission vehicles continue to increase in Australia as new models come to market. Since the release of the discussion paper in February 2021, there has already been a 20% increase in the number of battery electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicles available in Australia (see Appendix A). By 2030, battery electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are projected to make up 30% of new light vehicle sales (Commonwealth of Australia 2021a).

The Australian government has now made available $2.1 billion for low emission vehicle and future fuel technologies. The government will continue to partner with industry to invest in enabling battery charging and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure for road transport to give Australian consumers and business confidence to purchase low emission vehicles that work for them.

Under this strategy, the government will work with the private sector to increase the uptake of hybrid, hydrogen, electric and bio-fuelled vehicles.

This may help:

• promote consumer choice in vehicles
• develop local industries and jobs
• reduce emissions
• improve health outcomes
• increase fuel security.