The ACT government has released some of the details behind its newly announced and nation-leading plans to phase out the sale of new fossil fuel powered light vehicles in the territory by 2035, including banning the onboarding of new ICE cars to taxi and ride-share networks from as early as 2030.
The ACT’s Zero Emissions Vehicles Strategy sets out the policies and actions to get the territory’s share of ZEVs to 80-90% of new light vehicle sales by 2030, and outlines the government’s plan to cease registration of new non-ZEVs by 2035.
The strategy says that the 2030 ZEV target – which at this stage will include plug-in hybrid vehicles “in recognition of … their role in reducing emissions in the short term” – aims to send a clear signal to the market and the community about the future of transport in the ACT.
“The target is aspirational and achieving it will involve collaboration with industry to encourage the shift to ZEVs and to attract ZEV business, investment and jobs to the ACT,” it says.
“This Strategy is our pathway for ensuring Canberra continues to lead in the shift to zero emissions vehicles, and an invitation to businesses and the community to help lead the way in delivering a zero-emissions transport future for our city.”
The government notes that the 2035 cut-off date for the registration of new ICE vehicles in the territory is in line with a number of countries around the world that have also set vehicle electrification targets or bans for internal combustion engine vehicles, including Canada and the UK.
“We believe it is important to signal this policy to the community, well in advance, to drive industry and consumer decision-making,” the documents say.
As for the best and most appropriate mechanism for achieving the phase out, the Strategy notes that this is still a work in progress, as policy makers take into account the best and most appropriate measures.
But one early measure that does appear to have been decided upon is to prohibit the “onboarding” of new ICE vehicles to taxi and rideshare networks from 2030.
“This would not affect existing drivers on these networks, but would ensure that these key local fleets progressively become cleaner over time,” the documents say.
“It also sends a clear signal to drivers who are considering replacing their vehicle within the next few years to make the switch to a ZEV, bringing forward more vehicle purchases towards the overall 80-90% sales target.”
As promised on Monday, the strategy has some good detail on how the government intends to help fast-track the supporting infrastructure for EVs, including destination charging and fast-charging networks.
Among the policy measures to support charger rollout is a commitment to deliver more than 70 public EV charging stations across Canberra in 2022-23, with the aim of expanding the network to at least 180 publicly available charging stations in the ACT by 2025.
On the destination-side, the government aims to enact regulation – by 2023 “at the latest” – to require EV charging infrastructure for new multi-unit residential and commercial buildings, backed by $2,000 incentives for installation of EV charging at multi-unit buildings.
The Strategy also commits to developing a streamlined application process for EV chargers on public land – an issue flagged this week by Tesla chair Robyn Denholm as a key barrier to the smooth and timely rollout of fast-charging networks.
Another interesting detail of the strategy is around incentives – existing and yet-to-come – to encourage the uptake of electric motorcycles and bicycles in the territory.
“Electric bikes are a zero emissions mode of travel that provide a sustainable travel mode for many people, and can realistically replace many car trips.
“In particular, electric cargo bikes can be used to transport children and carry large loads, making them a viable alternative to car travel for many people,” the document says.
On electric bikes, which the government describes as a growing and relatively inexpensive zero emission travel option, the strategy supports the e-bike library, which allows Canberrans to borrow and trial e-bikes for free.
And while there was some push-back on the policy – and in particular the proposed ICE vehicle ban – on Monday from car dealers, reactions to the details of the ACT government’s proposed ZEV strategy have been largely positive.
“The ACT government is making the tough reform decisions now to ease an inevitable transition that’s only a decade away,” said Electric Vehicle Council chief Behyad Jafari on Wednesday.
“The Territory has shone a green light to car makers and charging manufacturers to come and invest now. …By setting long term targets in line with climate science, Canberrans will benefit from cheaper electric vehicles that cost a fraction to run,” he said.
“The ACT’s goal of 100% zero emissions passenger vehicle sales by 2035 is ambitious, but only by Australia standards,” said The Australia Institute’s climate and energy program director Richie Merzian on Wednesday of the “nation-leading” policy.
“Just last month, EU member states agreed to a similar ban on fossil fuelled cars by 2035, joining a quarter of the global car market with bans in place – some aiming to make the transition as early as 2025.
“Many vehicle manufacturers have committed to 100% zero emissions line up, and according to the Climate of the Nation 2021 Report, two thirds (64%) of Australians support requiring all new car sales in Australia to be zero emissions vehicles by 2035.
“Cars bought in 2035 might still be in use fifteen years down the track, so any net-zero 2050 emissions pathway requires a fossil fuel vehicle ban by 2035 at the very latest. I’d expect to see state governments with net-zero targets follow the ACT’s leadership,” Merzian said.
Sophie is editor of One Step Off The Grid and deputy editor of its sister site, Renew Economy. Sophie has been writing about clean energy for more than a decade.