Australians cutting car use amid high fuel prices

A Climate Council study has revealed that 71 per cent of Australians have reduced their car use amid record high fuel prices.

The survey, commissioned by the non-profit environmental organisation, found most of the 1150 participants said they have attempted to reduce car-related expenses, including driving less, avoiding holidays using their car, and skipping servicing and maintenance.

According to The Guardian [↗], fuel prices spiked again in late September due to production cuts of crude oil driven by Saudi Arabia and Russia.

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The Tucson and Sportage will gain more frugal hybrid options next year

Participants also noted that they have considered switching to an electric vehicle, with 54 per cent believing forthcoming ‘fuel efficiency standards’ would help save them money.

A previous report commissioned by the Climate Council and Electric Vehicle Council lobby groups highlighted Australians could save hundreds in running costs on a more fuel-efficient internal combustion engine vehicle or thousands by making the switch to a full EV – provided the emissions reduction policies are strict.

However, only 49 per cent supported the new mandate, which would put a cap on the average carbon exhaust emissions of all new vehicles each automaker sells per year, or risk being financially penalised.

The aim is to encourage car brands to sell more fuel-efficient and lower exhaust-emission engines, and supply more pure electric vehicles, as the emissions threshold lowers each year.

The federal government has previously promised to introduce the fuel efficiency standards this year, after industry consultation.

Parliament will sit for the last time this year on December 7.