Electric Vehicles

Beep! Beep! A rapid shift to EVs is realistic and affordable

August 2016

A shift to EVs provides a range of benefits to the economy, our health and the environment

The global electric vehicle (EV) revolution is rapidly following the transformation we have recently seen with rooftop solar. Prices of EVs being manufactured in the US and Europe are dropping, the travel range on EVs is increasing and battery prices are projected to fall between 20 and 60% in 2020. Beyond Zero Emissions’ Electric Vehicles report shows that the shift to 100% electric vehicles in Australia is both feasible and affordable, and provides a range of environmental, health and other benefits to the economy.

Going the distance

Electric Vehicles analyses the complete transition to electric vehicles in Australia, powered by 100 per cent renewable energy, over a ten year period. It shows that existing EV technology can cover the majority of the trips we typically take in Australia. Supplemented with comprehensive public charging infrastructure like rapid charging options, EVs can provide the same level of convenience that we currently enjoy, or better.

Going the distance

Electric Vehicles analyses the complete transition to electric vehicles in Australia, powered by 100 per cent renewable energy, over a ten year period. It shows that existing EV technology can cover the majority of the trips we typically take in Australia. Supplemented with comprehensive public charging infrastructure like rapid charging options, EVs can provide the same level of convenience that we currently enjoy, or better.

Download the report

Industry leaders support this research

A shift to EVs for urban travel would eliminate 6% of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions - 8% if regional car travel is included. This would make a major dent in Australia’s emissions - while delivering a range of benefits to individuals.
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Key findings of our Electric Vehicles report:

  • Elimination of at least 6% of Australia’s greenhouse emissions - more if we include regional travel
  • A rapid shift to electric vehicles - and buses - operating on 100% renewable electricity is feasible, and affordable
  • Costs could be even lower if we adapt transport behaviours to reduce car ownership - i.e. make it more convenient to take public transport, walk or cycle
  • Electric vehicles are more convenient - e.g.  you could charge at home

Barriers and policy responses

Policy options for electric vehicles are needed to address various barriers blocking the great adoption of EVs in Australia, including: lack of awareness, perceived range anxiety and perceived high upfront costs.

Policy options include: 

  • Educational programs and fleet trial programs to raise awareness of the benefits of EVs
  • Requirements for new car parks and apartment buildings to have electric car charging infrastructure retrofit
  • Promote or support of carshare schemes (such as Go-Get,CarNextDoor, and Flexicar)
  • Promote or support the installation of public charging infrastructure by private businesses
  • Introduction of progressively stringent car emissions standards
  • Reduce or remove taxes on the import of electric vehicles
  • Lower or no registration fees for electric vehicles
  • Access to transit lanes for electric vehicles

This report was produced in collaboration with MRCagney.

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