This week, Commonwealth, State and Territory Building Ministers agreed to pause and streamline the NCC until at least mid-2029.

As part of this decision, EV charging provisions and residential energy efficiency changes will not be introduced at this time.

Electric Vehicle Council CEO Julie Delvecchio said: “Hitting the brakes on requirements that make it easier and more affordable for new homeowners to have smarter EV chargers at home undermines Australia’s efforts to electrify households to reach climate targets.

“This is a missed opportunity to embed practical, low-cost electrification measures into our building standards at a time when urgent action is needed to achieve the nation’s 2035 emissions reduction goals.

“Simple measures like a dedicated circuit for EV charging at homes which would add only $200 to the cost of a new home while making it easier for Australians to charge their cars at home and escape the eye-watering cost of petrol have been left out of the updated Code.

“Every home built without these provisions will be more expensive to retrofit later, creating unnecessary barriers for Australian families wanting to make the switch to electric vehicles.

“Many policy levers need to be pulled to ensure that one in every two new cars on Australian roads is electric by 2035 – that includes increasing Australians’ access to EV affordable charging solutions. In line with overseas, we know that 85% of Australians will charge their EVs at home, so ensuring new built residences are EV-ready makes going electric more cost effective for Australian families.

“We call on the state governments that are committed to helping their residents cut the cost of transport, to implement these low-cost, common sense changes in their states.”

The post Stalled progress on EV charging in new homes undermines transition, EVC says first appeared on Electric Vehicle Council.

The EVC’s State of EVs 2025 report shows in the 2024-25 financial year, Australia witnessed:

• Record EV sales: Australians bought 72,758 BEVs and PHEVs in the first six months of 2025, up 24.4% on the same period in 2024
• Increasing EV share: EVs now account for 12.1% of all new car sales, up from 9.61% in 2024. June 2025 was the strongest month in the first half of the year, with market share reaching almost 16% for the first time. But EVs only account for 2% of all cars on Australian roads
• Growing EV fleet: Australia now has more than 410,000 EVs in the national vehicle fleet as of September 2025
• More choice: The New Vehicle Efficiency Standard has helped deliver more EV models, with 153 models now available (94 BEVs, 59 PHEVs), up from 123 in June 2024
• Expanding charging infrastructure: There are 1,272 fast-charging locations for motorists to visit to plug in (20% growth from June 2024) and at least 4,192 high-power public charging plugs (≥ 24 kW DC) (22% increase) across Australia.

The EVC has also rated each government on their EV policies with the federal government scoring the highest (8/10), and the Queensland, Tasmanian and Northern Territory governments scoring the lowest (3/10).

Electric Vehicle Council CEO Julie Delvecchio said: “More Australians are steering towards electric vehicles because they are better for your budget, better for the climate, and better for Australia whether or not you drive an EV. Electric vehicles are the future – our climate targets depend on them.

“Australia is making progress in the transition to electric cars. In just one year we’ve seen electric vehicles reach record highs, high-power charging locations have been increasing at pace and dozens of new EV models hit the roads.

“EVs are winning over more Australians every day because they’re cheaper to run, fun to drive, better for the planet, and cater to every lifestyle from hatchbacks and sedans to utes and SUVs.

“Today, we have more than 410,000 Australians driving EVs which is contributing to cleaner air, quieter streets and less reliance on dirty, expensive foreign oil. With nearly 4,200 high power charging plugs available and counting, more Australians are charging their cars across the country’s public network.

“The surge in EV uptake reflects the success of government policies. The federal government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard is bringing more EV choice, and the Electric Car Discount is helping more Australians afford the upfront cost.

“With three major electricity retailers offering vehicle-to-grid trials with four leading car brands, EV owners can now enjoy all the best benefits of electric vehicles at home and on the road.”

Despite the progress made, the report also highlights that more needs to be done to achieve the EV uptake required to meet Australia’s emissions reduction targets.

According to the report, Australia will need at least 1 million EVs on the road before 2028 meaning a total of 145,000 EVs sold in 2025, an additional 240,000 EVs sold in 2026 and a further 320,000 in 2027.

“Australia is moving from the early adopters to the early majority where consistent policy support is crucial to sustaining EV growth,” Ms Delvecchio said.

“We are making inroads in EV uptake as a nation, but the road ahead is steep. We need to shift gears from steady to more rapid growth in EV uptake to meet emissions reduction targets.

“EVs now make up more than 12 per cent of new car sales, which is progress, but we need that to hit 50 per cent within the decade.

“Transport will become Australia’s largest-emitting sector within years. Meeting emissions reduction targets means getting millions of Australians to drive electric and that demands strong, coordinated action from all governments and industry.

“Now is the time for all levels of government to double down on measures that are boosting EV choice and affordability, including the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard and Electric Car Discount. At the same time, future road pricing must be well-designed, fair and well-timed so it doesn’t slam the brakes on EV adoption.

“We’re calling on the government to set EV targets and a date for a ban on petrol and diesel registrations, like the UK and France. We’re also calling for more incentives to get Australians behind the wheel of electric cars and trucks including GST exemptions and energy bill credits.

“Just when we need to accelerate, states and territories have been pulling back EV incentives. No country has reached mass EV adoption without sustained government support so withdrawing it now risks stalling the momentum we desperately need.

“Industry also has a role to play, including developing local battery manufacturing and recycling, upskilling the workforce, and raising EV awareness.”

Read the report here and the factsheet here.

The post Australia makes gains in EV uptake but faces steep road ahead, report finds first appeared on Electric Vehicle Council.

Executive Manager of Car Buying and Lending at Commonwealth Bank, Tim Burdon, and JOLT’s Chief Operating Officer, Vicki Slavina, have joined the EVC board.

EVC Board Chair, Chau Le welcomed the new board members, saying they bring deep expertise across electric vehicles, EV charging, energy, and technology innovation. 

“We are delighted to welcome Vicki Slavina and Tim Burdon to the Electric Vehicle Council Board,” Ms Le said.

“Their collective experience in electric vehicle charging and uptake will be invaluable as we work to accelerate EV adoption, support industry innovation, and ensure Australia meets its climate goals.

EVC CEO Julie Delvecchio said Tim and Vicki would support the EVC’s ability to stay ahead of industry change and seize the opportunities this creates.

“Vicki and Tim have front-row experience with the technologies and business models shaping how we drive and charge EVs. Their perspectives will help the EVC be a strong and credible voice on behalf of our members,” Ms Delvecchio said. 

“Tim and Vicki add critical expertise in finance, consumer behaviour, and charging infrastructure – exactly the levers Australia needs to accelerate EV uptake. Together with our existing directors, they strengthen the board’s ability to guide the Council through the next phase of industry growth. Members can be confident that we have the right skills around the table to tackle barriers to adoption, champion supportive policy, and keep Australia’s EV transition globally competitive.”

These appointments also fill current Board vacancies, ensuring the Council has a breadth of expertise to support members.

 Executive Manager of Car Buying and Lending, Tim Burdon, said: “Australia is at an inflection point for EV adoption with an increase in new car brands, lower prices, competitive lending, and better charging facilities allowing for more customer choice and confidence. 

“Barriers to customer uptake of EVs exist, however, including the comparative price of EVs, availability of charging infrastructure and limitations on range. I’m excited about working with the EVC in overcoming these challenges to see the continued growth of EV uptake in Australia.”

JOLT COO Vicki Slavina said: “I believe that accelerating the clean energy transition is essential for the next generation. The choices we make as an electric vehicle sector today will shape the industry’s course for decades to come.

“With my passion for city economic development, sustainability, and innovation, I am committed to supporting organisations that deliver benefits for both people and the planet. I want to bring my perspective as a leader at an innovative CPO, alongside my experience scaling organisations, to help ensure Australia builds an EV ecosystem that fast-tracks our journey to net zero.”

The post Electric Vehicle Council appoints new board members first appeared on Electric Vehicle Council.

The Climate Change Authority’s ‘2035 Targets Advice’ said that half of all light vehicles sold between now and 2035 must be electric to meet the lower end of the target range.

More than 20 times the number of electric passenger vehicles need to be on the road than there are today – more than 5 million EVs that would otherwise have been petrol and diesel vehicles, according to their report.

EVC chief executive Julie Delvecchio said: “Increasing EV uptake is the highway to Australia’s 2035 climate target.

“To hit the 2035 target, one in every two cars sold within the decade must be electric – that means we need to shift gears and support more Australians to make the switch.

“The transport sector is the nation’s fastest growing source of emissions and is set to become the largest by 2030. So it’s encouraging to see the federal government recognises that electrifying transport is at the centre of reaching climate goals.

“It’s great to see Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister Chris Bowen recognise that Australians are taking up EVs at record rates. The federal government has invested in incentives including the Electric Car Discount, the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard, and programs like ‘Driving the Nation’ to expand public charging.”

Today, the federal government also announced an additional $40 million to support the roll out of kerbside and fast EV charging.

“The government’s new funding in support of the target for EV charging is a good step, because we know that charging is a critical part of driving EV adoption,” Ms Delvecchio said.

However, Ms Delvecchio said getting 20 times more EVs on the road by 2035 would require governments and industry to work together, in particular additional investment from states and territories which have removed many EV incentives.

“We must look beyond passenger cars – decarbonising heavy vehicles is just as critical. Australia should also invest in emerging technologies like vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid,” she said.

“Fewer emissions, cleaner air, quieter streets, fuel savings, and a more stable grid – that’s the power of more EVs on our roads. We look forward to working with the government to progress its ambition to encourage EV uptake and getting more everyday Australians to realise the benefits of driving electric.”

The post 2035 climate target requires 20x more EVs first appeared on Electric Vehicle Council.

This commitment gives long-needed certainty and shows that EV adoption remains a national priority.

It enables fair, future-focused tax reform that supports, rather than hinders, Australia’s shift to cleaner, cheaper transport.

The position sends a strong market signal to manufacturers, investors, and consumers: Australia is backing EV growth. Global markets with strong EV uptake consistently pair tax reform with support for cleaner transport and Australia is now aligning with that direction.

The EVC has worked closely with governments on this issue and welcomes this clear leadership from Treasurers across jurisdictions.

We commend the Treasurers for their leadership and look forward to working with them to ensure all future road-user charges support clean, affordable, and mainstream EV adoption across Australia.

Electric Vehicle Council CEO Julie Delvecchio said: “This confirms that EV adoption is a national priority for Treasurers across the country and must be supported through sensible, future-focused reform.

“This position sends a strong, positive signal to manufacturers, investors, and consumers that Australia is backing the growth of electric transport.

“An Australian fleet made up of energy-efficient vehicles powered by low-cost, home-grown energy just makes sense.

“It’s important that a road user charge for cars is well-designed and properly-timed; that means one charge must apply to all cars and it must only be introduced when 30 per cent of all new car sales are battery electric.

“We caution against a road user charge trial that targets electric trucks and other heavy vehicles. Such a road user charge at such an early stage of the transition would stall the shift to clean freight, drive up trucking costs, and set back Australia’s emissions goals.

“More operators are recognising the value of electric heavy vehicles, but the transition is only just beginning. Electric trucks already face the commercial obstacle of higher sticker prices – adding a tax on top will remove all the advantages that come from a lifetime of fuel savings.”

The post Federal and State Treasurers affirm EV growth for Australia’s clean transport future first appeared on Electric Vehicle Council.

The latest Resolve Political Monitor shows 44 per cent of Australian voters now support reducing the nation’s carbon emissions by 65-75 per cent by 2035 (versus 18 per cent opposed).

Electric Vehicle Council CEO Julie Delvecchio said the polling results underscore the critical importance of strengthening policies that drive electric vehicle adoption instead of sending mixed signals to consumers.

“All roads to Australia’s 2035 climate target lead through dramatically increasing the use of EVs. Prematurely removing incentives like the Electric Car Discount or introducing a road user charge before EV uptake is established will be kicking in the wrong direction to the 2035 climate target,” Ms Delvecchio said.

“Transport accounts for a fifth of our national emissions and is also one of our fastest-growing sources of pollution. Any genuine plan to meet the 2035 climate target has to include speeding up transport electrification.

“Every single petrol car or diesel truck that gets sold today instead of an electric car or truck will still be on our roads in 2035, pumping emissions into the air. If we don’t slow this process we will not get anywhere near the 2035 goal that most Australians want.

“We strongly encourage political leaders who are serious about our nation’s future prosperity to act on electrifying Australia’s vehicle fleet as quickly as possible.”

The Electric Vehicle Council highlighted that current government policies – including the Vehicle Efficiency Standard, the Electric Car Discount and investment in charging infrastructure – have driven record EV sales, with electric vehicles now representing over 10 per cent of new car sales nationally.

“These policies are delivering a multitude of benefits. Families are saving thousands on fuel costs, we’re reducing our dependence on imported oil, and we’re building the foundation for a cleaner, more resilient energy system through vehicle-to-grid technology,” Ms Delvecchio said.

“As the Climate Change Authority prepares its recommendations we need a basic recognition that electric vehicles aren’t a nice-to-have – they’re vital to meeting the targets that Australians support.”

The post If Australia wants to hit 2035 target, accelerating EV uptake is non-negotiable first appeared on Electric Vehicle Council.

The comments have come after the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) released testing on the real-world battery range of five electric vehicles.

Electric Vehicle Council Head of Legal, Policy and Advocacy Aman Gaur welcomed the release of the AAA’s real-world testing of EVs and said it was a valuable resource for drivers considering making the switch.

“These results give confidence that EVs have more than enough range for everyday Australians. The average Australian drives 33km per day. This means that an EV with a range of 350km can be driven for more than 10 days before needing to be charged,” Mr Gaur said.

“All cars, including petrol and diesel cars, often present different results in the lab compared to real-world conditions. Laboratory testing occurs in controlled conditions while real-world driving throws in all sorts of variables such as traffic flows, hills, rough roads, weather, extra passenger or luggage weight, and the unique driving styles of motorists.

“Given the unpredictable nature of driving needs, it’s inherently challenging for manufacturers to provide real-world estimates. That’s why electric vehicle manufacturers are following the rules and advertising the test results that are required by law.”

AAA’s Real-World Testing Program has separately found that 77 per cent of ICE and hybrid vehicles use more fuel in the real world than in lab tests, while one in five exceed noxious emissions limits applicable to lab tests.

“Unlike petrol and diesel cars which guzzle more fuel and pollute more than advertised, battery electric vehicles have zero tailpipe emissions and aren’t dependent on foreign-owned fossil fuels,” Mr Gaur said.

“Range anxiety remains a major perceived barrier to switching to an EV. But the growing rollout of public chargers and the availability of real-world range data all help to ease those concerns.

“Once drivers make the switch, range anxiety quickly fades. Just as they’re used to monitoring a fuel gauge, EV drivers quickly adapt to tracking battery levels and charging at home or on the go. In fact, EV drivers often have greater awareness of their vehicle’s range, with real-time updates and recalculations constantly displayed on the dashboard.”

Separately, the EVC notes the lab range used for the BYD Atto 3 is based on a different test compared to the other vehicles. If the same test was used for BYD, the range variation would be only 12% – half the reported result. Most EV manufacturers today use the more realistic WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure) range when advertising their vehicles.

The post Electric vehicles meet the driving needs of everyday Australians, EVC says first appeared on Electric Vehicle Council.

Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, known as bidirectional EV charging, allows energy stored in EVs, which are giant batteries on wheels, to be sent to the energy grid.

The modelling shows that over five years, a $3,000 government rebate towards a V2G charger would create more than $4,500 in downward pressure on electricity bills across Australia.

That means for every dollar spent supporting V2G, $1.50 comes back through lower wholesale prices and a reduced need for additional capital expenditure on power infrastructure.

Additionally, an EV owner who participates in V2G could earn around $1,000 per year for exporting power from their car to the grid when demand is high.

The EVC proposes the federal government include V2G chargers in its $2.3 billion home battery program to provide more value for money to the taxpayer.

The EVC estimates that 600,000 EVs doing V2G could match the output of NSW Eraring power station operating at full capacity. With the federal government initiative, more Australians can get onto V2G quicker and we can shut down coal fired power stations sooner.

Electric Vehicle Council CEO Julie Delvecchio said V2G has huge potential to make electricity cheaper for everyone and help stabilise the energy grid.

Just as Australia became a rapid global leader in rooftop solar, we have the opportunity now to lead the charge in vehicle-to-grid uptake, Ms Delvecchio said.

EVs can store up to five times more energy than a typical home battery. That a huge untapped resource sitting in driveways and with the right technology, we can use it to save money and support the grid, and make the whole system more reliable for everyone. V2G enables EV owners to feed stored power back into the grid during periods of high demand, when electricity is most expensive and vulnerable to disruptions like blackouts.

V2G allows EV owners to drive down power bills not just for themselves but for all Australians. EV owners could earn $1,000 annually by sending energy from their electric vehicle to the grid. Over five years, they can contribute more than $4,500 in broader community benefits that help reduce energy bills for everyone.

Unlocking this energy from EVs brings huge financial benefits that are in the national interest. We need to encourage more people to use V2G chargers, which cost about the same as the average home battery at around $10,000.

We like to see the Federal Government roll out a $3,000 rebate for V2G chargers so that more Australians can use this technology to generate lower power prices for themselves and others.

Australia is home to more than 350,000 EVs, and a high proportion live in the middle and outer suburbs. With some EVs now around $30,000, the upfront cost is making it more affordable for more Australians to make the switch to cheaper-to-run cars. V2G unlocks the full benefit of EV uptake in a way that helps everyone – EV owner or not.

A lesson we learnt from rooftop solar is that support from the government during the early years of adoption is essential to build momentum. Over time V2G chargers will become increasingly affordable and more Australians will embrace this technology. But to get the ball rolling a rebate would be enormously constructive.

V2G offers more than lower energy bills, it can also improve the resilience of the energy system especially during severe weather events. While V2G is an emerging technology in Australia, a small group of early adopters have exported power to help stabilise the grid.

EVC ask:

• Allow the home battery program to include $3,000 rebates for 50,000 V2G chargers in homes around the country by the end of 2028 at a cost of $150 million
• This policy would create a national benefit of more than $230 million by 2033.

The post EVs could drive down energy bills for all, new modelling shows first appeared on Electric Vehicle Council.

The $2.8 million government investment, combined with private co-funding, will see kerbside EV chargers across 130 suburbs in LGAs including Parramatta, Inner West and City of Sydney.

The announcement comes amid rising EV sales, which made up more than 12 per cent of new car sales in the first half of this year, up from 9.6 per cent in the same period the year before.

Electric Vehicle Council CEO Julie Delvecchio said: More kerbside chargers across NSW will make it easier for more Australians to switch to EVs, including renters, apartment dwellers, and those without garages or driveways.

The majority of EV drivers charge at home most of the time, and use public charging some of the time. More public chargers are essential to help Australians without home charging, support long road trips, and ease range anxiety.

Visible, accessible chargers on local streets make EVs more practical for more Australians, boosting their confidence and making the switch easier.

More EVs are good for everybody – they reduce emissions, improve the air we all breathe, and make our streets a lot quieter. Of course, EV drivers can also save thousands of dollars every year on fuel and maintenance costs too.

The NSW government’s EV kerbside charging investment couldn’t come at a better time as Australians now have access to more than 150 EV models, with options to suit every lifestyle and prices starting at around $30,000.

We support this roll out as a crucial step toward building a charging network that’s reliable and fair.

The NSW government EV kerbside charging grants have been awarded to Charge Post, Connected Kerb, EVX, Plus ES and EF Asset Management, who will contribute an additional $2.2 million.

The post Hundreds of kerbside EV chargers to hit NSW streets first appeared on Electric Vehicle Council.

New figures from the EVC and other sources show that more than 14,000 additional battery electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) have been sold in Australia so far this year compared to the same period in 2024.

Between January and June 2025, EVs accounted for more than 12 per cent of all new car sales, up from 9.6 per cent during the same period last year.

In June 2025 alone, electric vehicles accounted for almost 16 per cent of all new cars sold.

Electric Vehicle Council CEO Julie Delvecchio said: Electric vehicle sales are powering ahead in 2025 with more Australians than ever before getting behind the wheel.

An additional 14,000 EVs sold in the first half of this year compared to the same period the year before. Monthly EV sales set a new Australian record in June as well, with market share breaking through 15 per cent for the first time ever.

The transition to electric vehicles is picking up speed – that’s because of federal government support through policies and incentives, and more Australians recognising that making the switch is good for the environment and their wallets.

We’ve seen really important changes come into effect in Australia this year in the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard which is bringing consumers more choice in electric cars and more competitive prices.

More than 350,000 people are driving EVs in Australia today: tradies in utes, mums and dads ferrying their kids in SUVs, suburban dwellers zipping around in hatchbacks and small business owners delivering goods from vans. Once people make the switch to electric driving, they tend to stick to it.

While the growth in electric vehicle sales is encouraging, it’s crucial that Australia maintains this momentum by expanding infrastructure, increasing incentives, and supporting innovation such as vehicle-to-grid technology.

More EVs on our roads benefit all Australians, delivering quieter streets, cleaner air, and greater protection for our environment.

The post EV sales power ahead in 2025 first appeared on Electric Vehicle Council.