As the United States and Israel's attack on Iran continues to plunge the region into chaos, oil and gas prices are skyrocketing. The inflationary impact will be felt in key sectors like transport and logistics, agriculture and mining, with consumers invariably paying the price. The Australian Electric Vehicle Association (AEVA) was formed under near-identical circumstances, following the Yom Kippur war of 1973. Independence from liquid fossil fuels is an energy security priority.
"EVs have always been about fuel security" said AEVA National President, James Pickering. "53 years ago, AEVA was formed by a team of scientists, engineers, energy and transport professionals, and ordinary Australians; all with the collective goal of advancing electric alternatives to liquid fossil fuels. Our objectives today remain unchanged, and the circumstances motivating us are sadly unchanged, too."
Australia's strategic liquid fuel reserves are woefully inadequate - barely one month's supply - and well less than the IEA's 90 day obligation. Retired Air Vice Marshal John Blackburn AO reported 12 years ago (part 1, part 2) that the immediate impact of a fuel shortage would be felt far and wide in Australia, but efforts to reduce this risk have been slow to progress.
Australia's transport sector is heavily dependent on liquid fuels, alongside mining and agriculture. The AEVA argues the full electrification of transport remains the single most effective strategy the nation can enact to improve fuel security.
Mr Pickering says Australia is well placed to decouple itself from ongoing oil price spikes.
"Australia now has over 120 different makes and models of EV, and many more light commercial vehicles to come. We have some of the world's cheapest new EVs, and a growing second-hand market" he said. "Anyone with the means can now access an affordable vehicle, which runs on Australian electricity."
The AEVA maintains governments at all levels should not waver on their commitments to electrification across all sectors, including transport, and affordable, clean electricity.
