Car industry campaign risks slowing electric vehicle uptake

A secret car industry report could delay Australia’s transition to electric vehicles.

A strategy, seen by The Age and shared among top motoring executives, outlines a plan to limit fuel efficiency standards to a level which trails behind carbon emission rules in most countries.

The campaign, developed by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries — which represents 39 auto brands — is calling for the car industry’s existing voluntary emissions scheme to become the national standard.

It would mean new passenger cars sold in 2030 would still pump out an average of around 98 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre.

By comparison, European rules currently specify a maximum of 95 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre.