Benchmarks for car efficiency that came into effect on Tuesday 1 July have been welcomed by electric vehicle advocates.
The New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) has provided Australian drivers with a rapidly growing range of modern vehicles that reduce emissions, have lower fuel costs, and deliver community-wide benefits.
The Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) said that although the NVES had been in place since the start of this year, from July 1 the enforcement penalties and credits will come into effect, encouraging manufacturers to bring their most fuel-efficient vehicles to Australia.
EVC chief executive Julie Delvecchio said it was time for Australia to catch up with the rest of the world.
“July 1 marks a milestone for Australia with fuel efficiency standards,” Ms Delvecchio said.
"For the NVES to succeed, this next step is crucial because it incentivises manufacturers to bring their best cars to Australia, giving consumers even more choice.
“Australians can now choose from more than 150 electric vehicle models, which is double what was available before Australia committed to a fuel efficiency standard.”
Ms Delvecchio said Australians are increasingly voting with their wallets by buying EVs."
EVs have accounted for more than 11 per cent of new vehicles sold so far this year.
