The New Year heralds a significant step forward in Australia\u2019s transition to cleaner, cheaper-to-run cars with the introduction of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), according to the Electric Vehicle Council.<\/p>\n
Starting from 1 January 2025, the NVES will bring a wider range of EVs and fuel-efficient petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles to Australian roads, as manufacturers are incentivised to offer their most efficient cars.<\/p>\n
Electric Vehicle Council, Head of Legal, Policy and Advocacy, Aman Gaur said:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cThe New Year ushers in new standards for new cars in Australia. From today, Australia officially moves away from being the world\u2019s dumping ground for outdated, high-emissions vehicles, and demands a greater range of cleaner, cheaper-to-run cars,\u00a0<\/strong>vans and utes that are offered in the US and Europe.<\/p>\n \u201cThe New Vehicle Efficiency Standard means Australia has a chance to finally catch up to other countries in the adoption of cleaner, more efficient cars including EVs. The NVES will lower our fuel bills, offer a wider choice of the latest, most fuel-efficient cars, and improve the air we breathe by reducing emissions.<\/p>\n \u201cThe NVES is expected to accelerate Australia\u2019s growing interest in electric vehicles.\u00a02024 was a record-breaking year for EVs in Australia with more than 100,000 new battery electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles sold, while car manufacturers brought in and announced plans for more low and zero-emissions models. With more choice and competitive pricing,\u00a0EV uptake is set to grow further in Australia.<\/p>\n \u201cThe first six months of the NVES is a period where the industry can adapt to the new standards and systems before the credit and penalty scheme is enforced from mid-year. It gives manufacturers more time to refine their strategies to bring in more low and zero-emissions vehicles and meet rising consumer demand. It\u2019s also a period for the government and regulator to further educate the sector and test their systems.<\/p>\n “The New Vehicle Efficiency Standard is a crucial reform that will help Australians lower their driving costs and car emissions, as fuel prices rise and awareness of the health and environmental impacts of vehicle emissions grows.”<\/p>\n