Government Policy and Infrastructure news
EV charging explained: Home and public charging, speed and plugs
Are you considering switching to an electric vehicle? Here’s our newly updated guide to understand charging an EV at home or on the road…
Luxury Car Tax changes offer modest discounts this year ahead of significant upheaval for 2027
Luxury Car Tax thresholds have been given a minor bump in 2026, indexed to inflation, but buyers may want to hold off until a massive overhaul of the system due next year.
Expanding Australia’s public EV charger network could come at a cost… even if you don’t own an EV
A proposed federal government initiative to expand access to public EV chargers could impact households without an EV, but despite pushback, the cost could be minimal.
EV tax break to be scaled back under new FBT changes
The Albanese government will phase down the popular electric car discount as costs blow out, with industry backing gradual shift but warning momentum must be maintained.
P-platers are banned from driving certain EVs in Australia – but the rules are a national hodge-podge that must be fixed
Outdated power-to-weight rules struggle to keep pace with EV acceleration, leaving gaps in P-plate restrictions as instant torque reshapes what defines high-performance vehicles today, writes Paul Gover.
Fuel rationing – what are the measures Australia could take to conserve supplies?
The Australian government has rejected a $40 spending cap on fuel. But what other measures could be taken to shore up our short-term fuel supply?
Trent Nikolic: Now is the time to discuss why Australia is not fuel self-sufficient
With talk of fuel such as diesel hitting $4.00/litre, rationing taking effect, or supply drying up, now is the time for Australians to be demanding a return to fuel self-sufficiency… and asking what happened to a 90-day reserve.
Australia-EU trade deal signed, set to cut car prices… but Luxury Car Tax lives on
Tariffs scrapped and luxury car tax changes for EVs could lower the cost of European vehicles for Australian buyers.
More than 240 apartment residents each get an EV charger in sign of things to come
A lack of chargers in apartments is seen as one of the largest barriers to EV ownership, but a new building has installed one charger per apartment to help tackle the problem.
EV road user tax proposed in the US… as Australia weighs options
The US House Transport Committee Head has called for electric vehicle owners to pay an annual road repair fee – as the debate on a similar move continues in Australia.
Australian government relaxes fuel standards for the next 60 days
Lower sulphur limits were enforced in December last year as part of the government’s directive to clean up Australia’s fuel supply, but now higher sulphur fuel will be allowed for the next two months in an effort to ease supply issues.
No cut to fuel excise in sight, despite soaring prices
The federal government has ruled out a reduction in fuel excise from its current level, despite the sharp rise in cost following military action in Iran.
Luxury Car Tax threshold set to be lifted under EU free trade agreement
Ongoing free-trade negotiations with the EU could see Australians paying less for some new cars.
World-first EV battery tech: Results revealed of testing to verify claims of as little as 10 minutes charging
Would you consider an EV more seriously if charging times were significantly reduced? Donut Lab claims its technology requires just 10 minutes charging for a near-600km range… and now independent test results are in.
Hyundai Australia boss says N division will remain vital despite NVES fines
Hyundai faces multimillion-dollar NVES fines but says its diverse mix of petrol, hybrid and EV models – plus strong N brand loyalty – offsets the penalty.
First NVES results show mixed compliance as emissions fall
Two-thirds of brands beat targets, but nearly 20 miss CO₂ limits in opening year of new standard.
US set to pull the plug on stop/start engine systems
The US EPA plans to scrap off-cycle credits in sweeping deregulation, but Australian motorists are unlikely to see immediate change.
Federal Government partners with Hyundai and Kia to offer discounted loans on electric vehicles
The federal government’s Clean Energy Finance Corporation is committing up to $60 million to help reduce the cost of Hyundai and Kia EVs.
National Road Safety Strategy delivers worst road deaths run since 1950s, claims AAA
With fatalities rising for five straight years, the AAA says Australia’s road safety strategy is failing and wants the federal government to lead urgent reform nationally.
Kia quietly axes V6 Sorento and Carnival models
Kia Australia says NVES is partially responsible for decision to axe its highest-emitting V6 engine from the Sorento and Carnival ranges
Federal Government to name and shame car makers failing to meet CO2 targets
The federal government is set to reveal ‘interim emissions’ results under the new stringent NVES targets.
Driven to extinction: Rear-drivers become first victim of the NVES
The New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) introduced this year is causing some car-makers to discontinue certain models for Australia.
2026 Volvo EX90: Upgrade to 800-volt platform will bring faster charging and smarter tech
2026 model-year SUV gains rapid-charging capability, electrochromic roof and more powerful computing hardware.
EV owners face looming road user charge as governments target fuel excise shortfall
Federal and state leaders are advancing plans for a national EV road levy to replace dwindling fuel excise revenue, aiming to ensure all motorists contribute to infrastructure costs.
