New vehicle emissions drop as peak bodies call for Government mandates

Calls for mandated emissions targets in Australia's automotive sector are growing, despite manufacturers responding to the changing demands of the market.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) has released the results from its second year of collecting voluntary emissions data from manufacturers, finding overall emissions had dropped year-on-year from 2020 for MA vehicles (passenger cars and light SUVs) and MC+NA vehicles (heavy SUVs and light commercial).

While CO2 per kilometre emissions decreased from 2020 to an average of 146.5 grams from 150 grams for MA vehicles and 212.5 grams (down from 218) for the MC+NA class, the latter missed its target by 19.5 grams, coming in 10 per cent above expectations.

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Despite the drop in overall emissions, the FCAI's target of under 100 grams for MA vehicles and below 145 grams for MC+NA by 2030 is a long way off, prompting renewed calls for the Federal Government to implement standards for manufacturers.

FCAI CEO Tony Weber said the market is changing, but a national standard would accelerate its goals to reducing vehicle emissions.

“FCAI member companies are making significant advances in emissions reduction technology with every new model release in their efforts to lowering emissions and meeting the increasing customer demand for zero and low emission vehicles – from full electric through to hybrid and fuel-efficient internal combustion engines," said Weber.

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“Clear and consistent policy direction on a national scale is critical for manufacturers to prioritise new low and zero emission powertrains for the Australian marketplace.

"We are reiterating our calls for the Government’s adoption of the FCAI voluntary emissions standard as part of its ambition to reduce emissions in Australia’s transport sector.

“While our future is full electrification, our short-term pathway to achieving emissions reduction will encompass a range of technologies available. This includes hyper efficient internal combustion, plug-in hybrid, hybrid and full battery-electric options.

"Our message to Government is simple. You give us the target, we will give you the technology to get there."

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The FCAI's comments have previously been supported by the Electric Vehicle Council, which has campaigned for greater electric vehicle support in Australia, stemming from government-led policy.

CEO Behyad Jafari has said the lack of emissions standards in Australia will leave local buyers with vehicles not on par with those available overseas.

"Global carmakers are far more interested in selling cars in Europe or the US or even New Zealand, where fuel efficiency standards are established and governments offer unambiguous support to the transition," said Jafari.

"Carmakers look at Australia and see strong demand, which is encouraging. But they also realise that every time they sell an EV in America or Europe that will count towards meeting the fuel efficiency standards of those jurisdictions. So naturally they prefer to sell EVs there, instead of here.

"Through a toxic combination of inertia, myopia, and dogma, the Morrison Government has created a situation where thousands of Australians can't get access to the car they want to buy."