Australia needs to lift its EV game: Jaguar

British car maker Jaguar Land Rover has called on the Australian government to “do its bit” in driving electric vehicle uptake.

Otherwise there’s a risk putting the nation even further behind the global pace, while also missing a major economic and environmental opportunity, RenewEconomy reports

“As one of the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is calling on the Australian government to provide a unified and clear road ahead for the industry to follow,” the company says.

JLR Australia managing director Matthew Wiesner says the shift to EVs will happen with or without government backing, but it would be much smoother – and more beneficial – with the right policies in place.

“This is about safeguarding Australia’s future. Electric vehicles are here to stay and there’s an opportunity to build a burgeoning Australian industry,” Wiesner says.

“(The shift to EVs) can create jobs and opportunities in sectors like advanced manufacturing, technology and even mining, where there will be increased demand for minerals needed for EV batteries.

“If we let the rest of the world race ahead, we risk becoming reliant on overseas services and products by the time we catch up. We need clear and cohesive leadership now to ensure we don’t miss out,” he says.

“We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes made with the energy sector, where Government inaction and regulatory indecision stalled progress and ultimately cost Australians through higher prices.”

Jaguar’s electric I-Pace is due in Australia later this year, and the company plans an electrified option on all JLR cars by 2020.

BMW Group Australia chief executive officer Marc Werner made a similar appeal to the Australian Government in February, and the Electric Vehicle Council has repeatedly called for support for EVs.

Jaguar says even the average Australian thinks the nation has fallen far behind the global pace on EV uptake.

It commissioned a survey which shows 68% of respondents believe Australia is “more than 10 times” behind the rest of the world in EV adoption.

Another 79% want politicians to support EV adoption, and trial new tax incentives to increase uptake.

About 47% believed the federal government had a good vision and policy for EV adoption.

The survey also revealed that 85% of Australians believe EVs can be a positive economic opportunity for Australia.

About 70% agree the world is in a once-in-100-year shift to replace petrol cars with EVs.

“Australians are ready for electric vehicles, and the industry is too – now we need the federal government to do their bit and present their framework,” Wiesner says.