Government Policy and Infrastructure news

ALP promises cheaper electric cars and a national charging infrastructure
In the lead up to the federal election, Labor has made a number of promises around electric vehicles and alternative fuels

Stellantis signs €190 million deal to produce electric vehicles in Serbia
The current plant is set to be fitted out for EV production needs

Uber facing $26m fine over misleading fares and cancellation fees
The ridesharing service has come under fire for incorrect warnings about potential fees to customers

Chargefox ultra-rapid charging fees to increase by 50 per cent
The new prices bring the Chargefox into line with its rivals, but no changes for slower ‘fast’ chargers

BMW CEO warns against electric-only strategies, as California looks set to ban ICE from 2035
BMW boss Oliver Zipse believes going all-electric could be the wrong move for companies

How Porsche is testing the Taycan’s ability to power the grid
Until now, electricity for electromobility has mainly flowed in one direction – from the charging point to the vehicle

Queensland drivers to cop higher driving fines
Infringements are about to cost more in Queensland, as the Government vows to crack down on driving offences

Government announces $250 million grant for Australian oil refineries
The pot will be split between the two remaining Australian sites

Report shows two thirds of carmakers missed industry emissions targets in 2021
Industry body reveals emissions findings for the last year, with continued push for Government to adopt standard as legal requirement

European Union expands emissions testing capacity
Two new emissions testing sites will be used to check new cars sold in Europe, in an effort to prevent another Dieselgate

Victoria extends $3000 EV subsidy for an extra 2600 vehicles
An extra $7.2 million has been injected into Victoria’s electric vehicle incentive scheme

EV smart chargers trialled in Australia
This latest trial will see how smart chargers can be employed to work around electricity grid peak times

Government report reveals vehicle active-safety pitfalls
Active safety and autonomous driving technology still have some way to go before reducing the national road toll

Federal Budget: Hydrogen industry receives billions as EVs snubbed
Electric vehicles have been left on the outside, with the Government eyeing hydrogen as its path to reduced emissions

ACCC to punish fuel providers if they don’t pass on fuel excise cut
The competition watchdog will be keeping a watchful eye on companies pocketing the savings for themselves

Federal Budget: Funding for Black Spot Program cut by 20 per cent
The Government has cut funding for Black Spots in the same week a report identified regional roads as a major cause of fatalities

Federal Budget: Real-world fuel emissions testing gets green light
The Australian Automobile Association says funding to carry our real-world fuel consumption testing is a huge win for Aussie families

Government report: Rural roads a significant cause of road deaths
While cars are getting safer, a government report has found a high number of accidents are caused by the poor state of roads in regional Australia

Federal Budget: Fuel excise slashed to help ease impact of rising prices
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg made the announcement on Tuesday night as part of his government’s fourth budget

New vehicle emissions drop as peak bodies call for Government mandates
A small reduction in emissions year-on-year has been met with calls for greater action from the top

Local Volkswagen group boss joins EV Council board
New VGA chief will campaign for emissions targets and charging infrastructure in new builds

Queensland Police deputise public to catch hoons
Queenslanders are being asked to be the eyes and ears of the police in an effort to catch hoons

Australian hydrogen superhighway announced for Queensland, NSW and Victoria
The tri-state initiative is aimed at significantly reducing freight emissions

Manufacturers could be hit with $10 million fines for breaching Franchising Code
As the debate continues over the way new cars are sold, corporations can now face hefty fines if they are found to have breached their obligations