Government Policy and Infrastructure news

Evie Networks up EV charging prices again
It will again become pricier to charge your electric car on-the-go, as Evie Networks raises prices to contend with rising electricity costs.

Vehicle emissions rules could save Australia billions, report predicts
A new report has revealed major savings for all Australian new car owners and the economy – if the government sets strong vehicle emissions mandates.

Ampol EV chargers head into the shops
Fuel giant Ampol will enter shopping centres for the first time with its AmpCharge electric vehicle network

Victoria EV tax rises for 2023-24, as EV rebate ends early
The state will increase its controversial EV and PHEV tax again, as it abolishes its EV rebate reportedly early.

Chargefox pricing trial shows huge fluctuations in cost to users
The South Australian Government wants EV owners to charge during the day – but it’ll come at a cost if you can’t.

Westpac offers free charging with EV loans
Big bank Westpac will offer free limited Chargefox charging with a new EV finance loan

NRMA to end free charging, Chargefox trialing overstay fees, WA getting more chargers
The public fast EV charging landscape is shifting in Australia, with NRMA soon to end free charging and Chargefox initiating a trial of idling fees.

BYD, Polestar respond: Stock boosted for Victorians to beat EV rebate deadline
With Victoria’s EV rebate ending soon, some car brands are responding by pushing more stock so buyers can qualify for the handout before it expires

Luxury Car Tax (LCT) could be cut for EVs under EU trade deal
European-made EVs could become more attainable as the government considers lifting or exempting the controversial LCT.

Ford & GM switching to Tesla NACS EV chargers in North America
The landmark move will see the first non-Tesla car manufacturer integrate with its Supercharging network

Queensland Electric Super Highway to almost double by 2025
The state government-backed EV charging network will further expand in the next two years.

EV Council calls for massive leap in charger reliability, upkeep and locations in new report
The lobby group has called for Australia’s public EV charging infrastructure to have more ‘redundancy’ and maintenance measures akin to a supermarket or petrol station.

Luxury Car Tax threshold increased for 2023-24
LCT threshold requirements have been lifted again for another financial year

EV charging stations to link regional Australia in $100m project
A nationwide link of fast EV chargers will roll out by 2025 covering rural and regional Australia

Victoria to adopt digital drivers licence in 2024
VIC to join QLD, NSW and SA with regional trial from July

Queensland doubles EV rebate to further lower price barrier
Nine months after Queensland’s EV incentives were introduced, the policy has now been revised by doubling the subsidy for select households with more models eligible

Australia commits to fuel efficiency standards: Details & industry response
The government’s latest consultation paper confirms a new vehicle carbon emissions mandate will be legislated, but time’s still needed

EVs would benefit regional Australians most, report claims
A new report highlights long-distance travelling regional Australian drivers can save billions in fuel costs by going electric, but emissions standards are needed

US EPA proposes strict emissions rules in EV push
The proposed US mandate pushes for electric cars and could save the economy more than A$1.5 trillion – if passed

Australian fuel efficiency standards: 120 city leaders call for strong action
Australian council-elected representatives have signed a petition to urge the federal government to boost the local EV market

Audi plugs into Origin Energy for E-Tron owners
Leading energy provider seeking to promote EV ownership with the dangling carrot of savings at the charger

EV Council: “Time for Australia to catch up” to NZ’s emissions standards
A survey in New Zealand found most people are happy with the nation’s fuel efficiency standards, and the Electric Vehicle Council wants to see similar action in Australia

Euro 7 emissions rules could mean no more budget-friendly VWs and Skodas
Increasingly strict emissions mandates might spell the end of small entry-level combustion engine models from the Volkswagen Group

Toyota Australia boss has “no doubt” emissions target is coming this year
Although unclear on exactly what it will look like, Sean Hanley reckons a federal emissions policy could be in place before 2024