Electric Vehicles

Aldred argued that the government’s push for EVs was driven by climate targets rather than consumer benefit, noting that tradies and farmers were subsidising wealthy EV owners. Aldred raised national security concerns regarding Chinese-made EVs and their connected data systems, citing risks to privacy and potential exploitation by family violence perpetrators. Aldred criticised the lack of vehicle cybersecurity legislation compared to the United States and United Kingdom, and called for a national framework for automated driving.

Clutterham highlighted that an EV is sold in Australia every 100 seconds, with 157,957 sold in the first half of 2026. Clutterham emphasised the environmental benefits, noting that transport accounts for nearly a quarter of global emissions, and the economic benefits, including lower operating costs compared to petrol cars. Clutterham argued that the transition presents opportunities for job creation in battery manufacturing and critical minerals, leveraging Australia’s existing resources.

Scamps congratulated the government on passenger EV policies but argued that heavy vehicle electrification was lagging significantly. Scamps called for a dedicated national focus on freight electrification, including a goal of 100 per cent electric truck sales by 2040 and targeted fiscal incentives. Scamps noted that electric trucks could displace significant diesel usage, saving billions in fuel costs and reducing reliance on imported oil.

French argued that Australians were choosing EVs due to cost savings and reliability, not government coercion. French criticised the Coalition for opposing policies that lower energy bills and reduce running costs, describing their stance as a culture war. French highlighted the increase in affordable EV models and the government’s investment in charging infrastructure, particularly in regional areas.

Boele noted the doubling of EV sales and the financial benefits for drivers, who save an average of $3,000 annually on fuel. Boele argued that efficiency standards should be extended beyond 2029 to provide long-term certainty for business investment. Boele called for equity-based incentives to help lower-income households, improved charging infrastructure, and a national database to track EV uptake.

Jarrett highlighted that EVs now represent one-quarter of new car sales, with plug-in hybrids bringing the total to one-third. Jarrett explained how the Electric Car Discount and fringe benefits tax exemptions made EVs more accessible, particularly through salary sacrificing. Jarrett noted the government’s investment in charging infrastructure, including $40 million for regional blackspots, to ensure reliable access for all Australians.

Venning characterised the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard as a carbon tax and the Electric Car Discount as a subsidy for high-income earners, citing ATO data that over 50 per cent of claimants earn more than $135,000. Venning argued that EVs are impractical for rural and remote areas, particularly for heavy freight, noting that electric trucks have limited range and long charging times. Venning stated that the Coalition would scrap the discount and allow the free market to determine vehicle choices.