Government Policy and Infrastructure news
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.
The future of charging? EV breakthrough as Rheinmetall’s flush-fit kerbside charger enters mass production
The German company has won awards for its neat kerbside EV charger – and now they could spread rapidly.
Australia’s NVES begins, imposing strict new emissions standards on car-makers
Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) scheme comes into effect on July 1, imposing stricter emissions standards on vehicles sold in Australia.
Road-user charge and tax exemptions for EVs: What’s on the table
Tax reforms around electric vehicles have been flagged by Treasurer Jim Chalmers, including the possibility of a road-user charge (RUC) and changes to fringe benefits tax exemption.
What the Federal election means for drivers
The starter’s gun has been fired on the 2025 Federal election with an early alternative policy announcement making Australian drivers sit up and take notice.
400km of charge in 5 minutes! BYD unveils new EV tech
BYD reveals new 1,000V platform it claims can add more than 400km of range in just five minutes.
Australia’s road toll keeps rising – and car nuts are bearing the burden
It turns out that blaming so-called hoons for the road toll was a waste of time and money.
Albanese Government to back $150 million in low-interest EV loans
Government-backed EV loans aim to boost adoption among Australians earning under $100,000
Which electric cars are exempt from the Luxury Car Tax?
The contentious LCT continues to shadow Australian new car buyers, but which EV models can avoid it?
How will Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard affect the new car market?
Set to begin in 2025, the NVES promises to cause massive upheaval to the local market.
Australian Government increases safety requirements for its fleet vehicles
5 stars and nothing older than a 2022 ANCAP test
EV charging: 320km added in 10 minutes with Polestar’s XFC “extreme fast charging” prototype
⌁ Polestar demonstrates massive leap in EV charging rate, hitting more than 370kW
