The critical path to Australia's EV transition

Australia’s transport industry is the third largest source of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 21% of national emissions in 2023. To meet looming net zero targets by 2050, Australia must speed the transition to electric vehicles to accelerate progress.

Despite some progress over the last 12 months, Australia is still behind in EV adoption. In 2023, EV sales reached 98,436, representing just 8.5% of the national car market. Yet it’s evident that Australians are ready for this shift, with EV sales projected to soar to approximately 2.5 million within the next decade. What’s needed now is robust infrastructure, supportive policy and streamlined solutions to accelerate progress and ease the transition for consumers.

Contrary to the misperception many Aussies hold that EVs create range anxiety, current EV models are already well-suited to meeting the daily travel needs of most Australians, with only 10% of vehicles travelling more than 100 km per day. For the majority of users, at-home charging will cover 95% of their needs.

EV solution providers are enabling car owners to install smart home chargers, offering both convenience and cost-efficiency. Overnight charging allows most EV owners to meet their daily driving needs while taking advantage of lower off-peak electricity rates, saving even more money. Additionally, the potential of ‘Vehicle-to-Home’ (V2H) technology provides a reliable backup power source during outages and the ability to reduce grid demand during peak hours, helping consumers save on utility costs while contributing to energy stability.

In response to increased safety concerns for at-home EV chargers, new regulations have been outlined under the National Construction Code to include minimum EV charging standards. Standards Australia has developed in-depth resources for EV owners to understand how to safely install and manage at-home charging solutions.

Companies nationwide, including Schneider Electric, are developing EV charging solutions, offering Australians the option to charge at home while providing comprehensive use and installation support. However, a considerable number of remote EV users will still depend on public charging facilities located on streets or in shopping centres, public car parks and apartment blocks — another challenge that requires collaboration between the private and public sectors.

Encouragingly, the National Roads and Motorists’ Association (NRMA) has partnered with the Australian Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) to address range anxiety in some of Australia’s blackspots on major highways using its ‘Driving the Nation’ fund. The $500 million initiative will oversee the rollout of a network of 117 EV chargers on major highways at an average interval of 150 km.

Australia’s transport sector is at a critical juncture in its journey towards net zero. Electric vehicles are not only inevitable but also essential for Australia to cut emissions and achieve ambitious climate targets. EVs provide significant environmental and economic advantages, making them a compelling choice for Australian consumers.

While challenges such as charging infrastructure and consumer hesitancy remain, ongoing investments in smart charging solutions, education programs and government initiatives are paving the way for a greener future. With the right infrastructure, streamlined solutions and support, Australia is well-positioned to embrace the electric vehicle revolution and become a sustainability leader far beyond the transport industry.

Chris Kerr, Vice President & CEO Clipsal by Schneider Electric.

Top image credit: iStock.com/gehringj