COST OF LIVING pressures are set to climb even higher from today as the temporary discount on fuel excise comes to an end – with fuel prices set to jump as much as 25 cents a litre.
Dr Jennifer Rayner, Climate Council Head of Advocacy. Location: Canberra, ACT
"The fuel excise was merely a temporary band-aid solution and did nothing to address the real issue of spiralling fuel costs in the longer term, which place even more pressure on top of sky-rocketing bills. It was short-sighted. What we really need is fuel efficiency standards.
"The fact is, Australians are being totally ripped off when it comes to how we get around. Our complete lack of fuel efficiency standards means we've become a dumping ground for some of the world's most polluting, expensive and inefficient cars. Meanwhile, someone who drives an electric vehicle can save around $1,600 a year compared to a petrol car, but at the moment most Australians don't have the option to buy them.
"The Australian Government has started the conversation with its National Electric Vehicle Strategy, but we need it to move quickly and decisively to catch up with much of the rest of the world. The longer we wait to put fuel efficiency standards in place, the more Australians will be exposed to fuel price spikes and harmful pollution."
Anthony Broese van Groenou, co-founder, director of Good Car, a sustainability expert and PhD researcher. Location: Brisbane, QLD
"There's all this concern about subsidising electric vehicles but we've been subsidising fossil fuels and polluting vehicles for decades now. Currently, we rely on volatile fossil fuels from some of the most volatile places in the world. Electric vehicles run off renewable energy, generated at home, are cheaper, more secure and will keep our money locally rather than sent offshore."
CASE STUDIES AVAILABLE
Tony Wolfe, electric vehicle (EV) owner, electrician and senior operator at a coal-fired power station in Victoria. Tony recently drove his EV from Queensland to Victoria, the 1,600km journey only cost him $156 for charging. Location: Latrobe Valley, VIC
"Well over 90 percent of charging is done at home and if you have solar panels and can charge during the day – you fill up for free."
Ian Wilcox, a Tesla owner who is passionate about debunking the preconception that EVs aren't practical. In March, Ian towed his caravan with his Tesla Model 3 on a family holiday. Ian can talk to the benefits of renewables and electrification, and how EVs can be a part of the puzzle in helping Australia reduce carbon emissions and act on climate change. Ian, who's involved in Climate Action Newcastle, also had a son who shares his passion and has recently bought his first EV. Location: Newcastle, NSW
