The new Race to Zero Ranking from the Climate Council shows major vehicle manufacturers in Australia are starting to get serious about zero emissions, paving the way for strong fuel efficiency standards that will help make electric vehicles (EVs) cheaper and more readily available.
The analysis shows that some manufacturers are quickly moving towards electrifying their fleets, with major brands mapping out a pathway to sell nothing but zero emissions vehicles by the mid-2030s or earlier.
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Many of the companies manufacturing the cars driven by millions of Australians are on the precipice of a clean transport revolution. The Climate Council is calling on the federal government to set fuel efficiency standards that results in 100 per cent of new vehicles sold in Australia being zero emissions as soon as possible.
“Fuel efficiency standards limit how much pollution a car manufacturer’s new models can release before they hit the market. Companies are fined if they fail to adhere to this limit,” a Climate Council spokesperson said.
“These standards already cover 80% of the global car market, but Australia remains stuck at the starting line when it comes to implementing them. Why are Australians still paying for expensive, petrol-guzzling cars that hurt household budgets, our health, and the environment?”
Race to Zero Ranking 2022 (best to worst)
- Polestar
- Tesla
- Volvo
- Ford
- Volkswagen
- Mazda
- Hyundai
- Kia
- Honda
- Nissan and Mitsubishi
- Toyota
- Isuzu
*These brands were chosen due to their status as Australia’s top selling car makers.
Climate Council head of advocacy Dr Jennifer Rayner said, “Australians want cheaper and cleaner transport options, as demand for EVs skyrockets. Australia needs policies that lean into this momentum, not policies that put the brakes on so a few lagging companies can catch up.
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“Many major manufacturers know that all-electric is the way to go. Implementing strong fuel efficiency standards would ensure 100% of new vehicles sold be zero emissions by the middle of next decade.
“The manufacturers who are lagging behind and refusing to embrace an all-electric future are making the conscious choice to remain in the polluting past and risk being lapped by the competition. These heel-draggers shouldn’t be setting the pace for our national transport policies.”
See the full report here.
