Swedish EV maker Polestar has urged the Australian Government to remain committed to a robust New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) despite calls to the contrary from the automotive industry’s peak body.
Comments from Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) CEO Tony Weber suggest the NVES should be revised due to January and February electric vehicle (EV) retail sales— despite EV sales growth (4.7%) outpacing the broader market (1.7%) in 2024.
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Polestar withdrew from the FCAI in March 2024 due to its reluctance to support the introduction of emissions regulations for new cars that would align Australia to global standards.
Polestar Australia head Scott Maynard said, “Efforts to undermine this legislation will only disadvantage Australians. [Last week’s] comments from the FCAI are the latest in a campaign to water down long-overdue emissions standards that will deliver Australians cleaner cars and lower running costs.
“The NVES was developed to lower vehicle emissions by incentivising carmakers to offer more hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric options, and we can clearly see car brands rising to that challenge.
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“By the end of the year, Australian new car buyers will have over 100 battery electric vehicles available to them.
“Over 85% of global car markets have a fuel efficiency standard in place to deliver improved health outcomes and reduce ownership costs. We must stay the course to see these benefits realised in Australia.”
