Researchers have outlined five key steps needed to accelerate Australia’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs).

The Federal Government has recently passed the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), which mandates car manufacturers to reduce carbon emissions for new vehicles starting in January 2025.

The policy is designed to incentivise car manufacturers to export their most fuel-efficient vehicles to Australia.

University of Queensland (UQ) experts Dr Kai Li Lim, Dr Dia Adhikari Smith, and Associate Professor Archie Chapman have endorsed the legislation as a significant stride toward sustainable transport. 

The researchers have identified five further measures that would advance Australia on the path to an EV future:

The first is to improve charging infrastructure. 

“We advocate for the continued implementation of the National EV Strategy, focusing on EV charging infrastructure to ensure comprehensive coverage across urban, regional, and remote areas,” Dr Adhikari Smith said. 

This includes expediting the development of heavy EV charging infrastructure, such as fast-charging stations for trucks and buses.

Dr Lim says there is a need for reliable public charging infrastructure for passenger EVs, built with longevity in mind. 

“Chargers also need to be as accessible as possible, including retrofitting existing commercial and residential buildings,” he said.

Secondly, the researchers say changes should be made to enable EVs to supply energy back to the grid.

“EVs can act as mobile energy storage units, giving owners the opportunity to monetise their vehicles through demand response programs,” Dr Chapman said. 

He suggested that both light and heavy EVs should be enabled and encouraged to supply energy back to the grid, which could lower energy costs for consumers and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The researchers say that the third step would be to create local supply chains for EV batteries and parts.

“Establishing local battery and part manufacturing and recycling would leverage Australia’s mineral resources,” Dr Adhikari Smith noted. 

He believes that local supply chains, including those for imports, would stimulate the electrification of commercial vehicles and heavy machinery.

They also call for measures to upskill an EV sector workforce.

“There will be high demand for a workforce in all parts of the EV sector, including maintaining vehicles and chargers, building chargers and charging sites, and developing software,” Dr Lim said. 

He stressed the importance of setting up specialised courses to meet skill demands, which presents an opportunity for Australia in the automotive value chain. 

Additionally, workers in the internal combustion engine vehicle sector should be supported with transition programs, ideally providing pathways toward EV manufacturing and services.

The fifth suggested measure is to find ways to replace the fuel excise revenue.

“A fair road user charge for EVs will eventually be needed to replace the loss of fuel excise revenue in Australia and to continue recouping road costs equitably,” Dr Lim explained. 

He suggested a phased approach, with no road charges for EVs initially to encourage adoption before a user-pays system is introduced, based on the distance driven.

The researchers say recent Federal Budget announcements, including the NVES, investment in integrating EVs with the grid, and local battery manufacturing, as positive steps toward accelerating Australia's transition to an EV future.

“We can also expect an influx of EVs into the country thanks in part to policies overseas, so it’s imperative Australia - and our infrastructure - is ready,” Dr Lim said. 

He highlighted the necessity for strategic investment and careful planning as charging technology and behaviour continue to evolve. 

“This is challenging but vital work that requires a collaborative effort across technology adoption, policy formulation, financial mechanisms, and workforce development,” Dr Adhikari Smith said. 

He said Australia has a unique opportunity to devise a framework that supports the uptake of EVs, benefiting consumers, maintaining transport capabilities, and achieving environmental goals.

The recommendations are part of a submission by UQ researchers in response to an inquiry into the transition to EVs by a federal committee.