Electric vehicles are getting a free ride on Australia’s roads through not paying fuel taxes.
A ruckus over RUC (road user charges) is developing as calls come for EVs to pay their fair share of the money needed for roads, outlined in this issue.
The RACV says increasing numbers of EVs and hybrids means less money is available from fuel taxes for keeping roads maintained. It wants RUC introduced for a “fairer, sustainable” way of paying for roads.
The debate could be similar across the Tasman. A RUC exemption for EVs in New Zealand is due to come off, with indications it may even stay and apply to all vehicles using Kiwi roads.
Meanwhile, EVs are landing on Australian shores with the new Nissan Leaf and the Tesla Model 3 RHD both arriving this month. Interest in both has been huge and the two are set to drive EV uptake in Australia.
That’s also set to drive a multi-billion boost for Australia’s economy, EVs and autonomous vehicles (AVs) contributing a possible $92b within about 30 years
We check out the Model 3, the Kona Electric and the Audi e-tron in this issue, and also get a close look at Harley-Davidson’s electric bike Livewire, set to shock that industry.
Future transport comes under the spotlight at the Australian Intelligent Transport Systems Summit in Melbourne later this month.
EVs, AVs, mobility as a service (MaaS) and the ability of newer EVs to deliver power to the home and grid will be the talk of the town.
The latest EV and hybrid stats are available – showing a rise in those fields while interest in petrol and diesel power is dropping.
Our ‘Across the Ditch’ section looks at New Zealand’s planned introduction of a ‘feebate’ scheme which one EVworld NZ conference keynote speaker likens to a Robin Hood system where “the dirty guys pay for the clean guys”.
A new survey shows about 74% of Kiwis would consider buying an EV, while we also reveal the world’s first electric tug boat is due in New Zealand and Kiwi racer Brendon Hartley switches to the electric form.
Check out our back page map for places around Australia where you can charge your EV.
Enjoy your read.
