Australians could have saved $5.9 billion in fuel costs if efficiency standards were adopted in 2015, according to new research.
A report by leading think tank The Australia Institute found that almost two in three Australians support the introduction of national fuel efficiency standards in line with those in Europe, but the federal government still You have not entered this goal.
Fuel efficiency standards have been adopted by around 80 per cent of the global car market, but not in Australia, and new research says now, as the fuel tax cut looms finally, it’s time to introduce it.
The move, the think tank says, would save motorists money on fuel, reduce transport emissions, increase the availability of electric vehicle models and reduce Australia’s reliance on foreign oil.
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“Australians are being left behind simply because as a nation we still accept petrol-guzzling cars without emission standards. This is costing commuters money at the petrol station and preventing Australia from reducing our emissions,” said Richie Merzian, director from the climate and energy program of the Australian Institute.
“As the end of the fuel tax cut approaches, policymakers have an opportunity to save motorists money at the gas pump by introducing an average efficiency standard for new cars in Australia
“Previous attempts to introduce fuel efficiency standards in Australia have been marred by misinformation and lies. Unfortunately, it is everyday Australians who bear the cost. Australian motorists have paid billions more for the expensive foreign oil to power the gas-guzzling cars that have been rejected by the rest of the world.
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“The Albanian government has a golden opportunity to implement strong fuel efficiency standards in line with Europe. The policy is popular, helps Australians with the cost of living and will help drive the adoption of cleaner vehicles “.
In 2018, the average carbon dioxide intensity for new passenger vehicles in Australia was 169.8 gCO2/km compared to 129.9 gCO2/km in the United States, 120.4 gCO2/km in Europe and 114.6 gCO2/km in Japan.
Later this month, Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen will speak at Australia’s inaugural national summit in Canberra, addressing the issue of a national emissions target as well as other related issues with electric vehicles.