Australia is running out of time to put in place the infrastructure needed for the rapid uptake of electric vehicles, a top official says.
Infrastructure Australia chief executive Philip Davies says disruption to the transport sector could cause major problems if more isn’t done, The Australian reports.
“Much of the transport and energy infrastructure that has served Australia well in the past faces new, untested challenges,” Davies told an energy symposium held by IA and Infrastructure Partnerships Australia.
“However, it is fair to say that the rate of disruption and change in these sectors has been far greater than governments have anticipated.
“Australian governments cannot afford to sit on their hands.”
New ways of funding and maintaining roading networks would need to be looked at as fuel tax income drops with the rise of EVs, he says.
“Currently funding to build and maintain our road infrastructure is sourced from a mix of fuel excise and vehicle registration charges.
“Fuel excise will not apply to the use of electric vehicles, therefore, in coming years the increased uptake of electric vehicles will see a substantial reduction in revenue.
“Without doubt, electric vehicles can bring big benefits for society — especially when energy is from renewable sources.”
However, road market reform is needed, Davies says.
“Otherwise we run the risk of a serious road funding shortfall, meaning our future cities will be characterised by congestion and constraint.”
