Electric vehicles (EVs) offer perhaps the greatest opportunity for consumers in the energy transition by significantly reducing their energy costs. But many Australian households find themselves locked out because of their living and/or financial situation.
ECA strongly believe that an EV transition will be equitable only if all consumers are able to conveniently charge their EV. Certain community demographics, particularly those without off-street parking, from low-income backgrounds, or living in regional and rural areas may require additional support to ensure equitable access to charging options.
This means that policies must consider the diversity of consumer circumstances and encourage greater collaboration between the plurality of actors who can help deliver better consumer outcomes. In particular, we encourage the Legislative Council Economy and Infrastructure Committee to consider that public electric vehicle charging infrastructure (EVCI), notably kerbside EVCI (KEVCI) is essential to support the uptake of EVs and to provide significant energy cost savings for all electricity consumers, including those who do not own one.
