RACQ Supports Reforms for New Vehicle Efficiency Standard, but Urges Adjustments for Regional Queenslanders
Shouldn’t we prioritize reforms that benefit all Australians, including those in regional areas and heavy vehicle users?
The Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) is throwing its support behind the Federal government’s proposed New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), but is calling for some adjustments to ensure regional Queenslanders are not left behind in the push to decarbonize personal transport.
RACQ agrees that increasing competition and attracting cleaner, safer cars will benefit motorists and make motoring more affordable.
However, they argue that changes are needed in the proposed model to ensure regional Queenslanders and those who rely on heavier vehicles like utes are not penalized.
According to RACQ, the NVES should not only focus on environmental benefits but also consider safety and financial advantages for motorists.
A well-designed standard would incentivize manufacturers to send better and competitively priced cars, utes, and 4WDs to Australia.
Australia is one of the only advanced nations without vehicle efficiency standards, which RACQ believes should have been addressed sooner.
RACQ supports the introduction of a NVES but calls for adjustments to protect regional Queenslanders.
Future fuel efficiency targets for utes and 4WDs should be relaxed initially to allow for the introduction of new technology.
RACQ emphasizes the importance of vehicle range for regional Queenslanders and off-road enthusiasts.
The organization also calls for the government’s support in research innovation for utility and 4WD technology, as well as the development of the biofuels industry.
RACQ believes that ethanol and biofuels can play a role in decarbonization and boosting regional economies.
According to RACQ’s research, advancements in technology have made utes and 4WDs more fuel-efficient and cheaper to run over the past 60 years.
The organization suggests that an appropriate NVES could lead to even more savings, particularly with recent advancements in electrification and hybrid technology.
RACQ highlights the importance of ongoing innovation to achieve cost savings and aims for vehicles to cost less than $10 per 100km.
RACQ addresses concerns about affordability and finds little international evidence of upward pressure on vehicle purchase costs.
The RACQ also urges the government to release NVES modelling for transparency and informing legislation set to be implemented in January 2025.
- RACQ supports NVES for cleaner and safer cars
- Calls for adjustments to protect regional Queenslanders
- Urges government to support research in utility and 4WD technology and biofuels
- RACQ believes in the potential of ethanol and biofuels for decarbonization
- RACQ’s research shows advancements in fuel efficiency and cost savings
- Transparency in NVES modelling urged
The RACQ supports the NVES as a means to improve the affordability and environmental impact of personal transport. However, they urge adjustments to protect regional Queenslanders and ensure the inclusion of utility and 4WD technology as well as the biofuels industry. RACQ’s research shows the potential for significant fuel efficiency improvements and cost savings. Transparency in NVES modeling is also important for public confidence and informed legislation. With the right adjustments and support, the NVES can lead to a greener and more cost-effective motoring future.