Aussie MPs form EV friends group

MORE than 30 federal members of parliament from across the political spectrum and all over Australia have come together to form an electric vehicles supporter group it calls Parliamentary Friends of Electric Vehicles and Future Fuels Transport.

Formally launched in Canberra this week by climate change and energy minister, Chris Bowen, the group will be co-chaired by member for Higgins, Michelle Ananda-Rajah and member for Kooyong, Monique Ryan, who are both “passionate about supercharging the uptake of EVs and helping more Australians get the opportunity to enjoy the benefits they provide”.

The group said it plans to hold several events during the parliamentary term to “help ensure Australia’s EV momentum powers ahead”.

It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for parliamentarians to meet with experts to discuss promoting greater EV awareness and ways to incentivise their uptake.

“The adoption of electric vehicles in Australia will be a step change in transport that will liberate motorists from the irritation of the nozzle with the added bonus of lower running costs and cleaner air, free from particulates and carcinogens that come from Australian cars burning some of the dirtiest fuel in the world,” said Dr Ananda-Rajah.

Dr Ananda-Rajah’s sentiments were echoed by Parliamentary Friends of Electric Vehicles and Future Fuels Transport co-chair, Monique Ryan.

“We need to work together to usher in the cleaner, greener economy, and investing in electric vehicles is a central part of that. I’m thrilled to launch this group and bring more than 30 MPs into the fold as we look to move Australia into the fast lane on electric vehicles,” she said.

The Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) welcomed the launch of the group and said it will work with the MPs involved to develop, support and advocate for policies that make EVs more affordable and accessible.

“It’s great to see the political momentum building for electric vehicles,” said EVC CEO, Behyad Jafari.

“Australia has more to gain from transport electrification than any other nation. The millions of vehicles traversing our nation can and should be powered by Australian renewable electricity.”

Road transport infrastructure provider and toll road operator, Transurban, threw its considerable weight behind the group, saying it is keen to help drive Australians towards the uptake of electric vehicles.

“At Transurban, we pride ourselves on getting people where they need to go safer, faster, more reliably and more sustainably when compared to the alternative route,” said Transurban CFO, Michelle Jablko.

“If we can help drive the uptake of EVs among our customers, we know it will have a significant impact in reducing emissions across the broader road network.”

Also attending the launch was electricity supplier Origin, who said it supports ongoing efforts to accelerate the switch to EVs by providing opportunities and making it easier for people to get into the driver’s seat of an electric vehicle sooner.

“We’re thrilled to support this launch as part of our ambition to lead the energy transition and help accelerate the uptake of EVs in Australia,” said Origin general manager of e-mobility, Chau Le.

“To make it easier for customers to make the switch to an EV, Origin has developed a full suite of solutions to support EV drivers on every step of their EV journey.

“This includes providing smarter charging and energy solutions, the recently launch EV salary packaging subscription service, and securing ARENA funding to support more business customers to transition to EVs.”