Five key steps that Australia needs to accelerate switch to electric vehicles

Bigger and better chargers, V2G technology, local manufacturing, skills training and road user charges have topped the list of steps needed to help with the transition to electric vehicles in Australia.

The University of Queensland asked three of its researchers to cite five key steps necessary to accelerate Australia’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs), building on the recently passed New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), which will require carmakers to sell models in Australia with improved emissions standards from 2025.

Under the laws, Australia will seek to reduce emissions for passenger cars by 61 per cent by 2029 and cut emissions for light commercial vehicles such as utes by 35 per cent.

But more needs to be done, according to the hree researchers from the University of Queensland – Dr Kai Li Lim, Dr Dia Adhikari Smith, and Associate Professor Archie Chapman – who earlier this year submitted recommendations for the federal parliament’s EV committee inquiry.

Key amongst their recommendations is the need to improve charging infrastructure, making it both more reliable but also built with longevity in mind.

“We advocate for the continued implementation of the National EV Strategy, focusing on EV charging infrastructure to ensure comprehensive coverage across urban, regional, and remote areas,” Dr Adhikari Smith said.

“This includes accelerating the building of heavy EV charging infrastructure like fast-charging stations for trucks and buses.

“Chargers also need to be as accessible as possible, including retrofitting existing commercial and residential buildings.”

EVs must also be able to supply energy back to the grid, “giving owners the opportunity to monetise their vehicles through demand response programs,” according to Dr Chapman.

“Light and heavy EVs should be enabled and encouraged to supply energy back to the grid, lowering energy costs for consumers and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

Another important step, according to Dr Adhikari Smith, is the need to “establishing local battery and part manufacturing and recycling,” which would leverage Australia’s extensive and well-established mineral resources.

“Local supply chains, including for imports, would stimulate the electrification of commercial vehicles and heavy machineries,” said Smith.

Meanwhile, according to Dr Lim, there needs to be a focus on upskilling an EV sector workforce.

“There will be high demand for a workforce in all parts of the EV sector, including maintaining vehicles and chargers, building chargers and charging sites and developing software,” said Dr Lim.

“This will require setting up specialised courses to satisfy skill demands and presents opportunity for Australia in the automotive value chain.

“Workers in the internal combustion engine vehicle sector should be supported with transition programs, and ideally be provided with pathways toward EV manufacturing and services.”

The final recommendation the University of Queensland researchers made to the parliamentary committee inquiry was the need to replace fuel excise revenue.

“A fair road user charge for EVs will eventually be needed to replace the loss of fuel excise revenue in Australia, and to continue recouping road costs equitably,” Dr Lim said.

“This could be a phased approach, with no road charges for EVs initially to encourage adoption before a user pays system is introduced, based on the distance driven.”

The researchers do see hope, however, especially in the passing of the NVES, investment in integrating EVs with the grid, and local battery manufacturing announcements.

“We can also expect an influx of EVs into the country thanks in part to policies overseas, so it’s imperative Australia – and our infrastructure – is ready,” Dr Lim said.

“The transition to EVs will require both strategic investment and careful thinking, as charging technology and charging behaviour continue to evolve.”

“This is challenging but vital work that requires a collaborative effort across technology adoption, policy formulation, financial mechanisms and workforce development,” Dr Adhikari Smith said.

“Australia has a unique opportunity to devise a framework to support the uptake of EVs that will benefit consumers, maintain our transport capabilities and reach environmental goals.”