Australia needs 20x more EVs by 2035

Australia must accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption to unprecedented levels to meet its 2035 climate targets, with more than 20 times the current number of electric passenger vehicles needed on roads within the next decade.

The federal government’s target to reduce emissions by between 62 per cent and 70 per cent by 2035 from 2005 levels requires half of all light vehicles sold between now and 2035 to be electric to meet the lower end of the target range, according to the Climate Change Authority’s ‘2035 Targets Advice’ report.

The scale of transformation is significant. More than 5 million EVs that would otherwise have been petrol and diesel vehicles need to be on Australian roads by 2035, the report says.

Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) chief executive Julie Delvecchio says the findings highlight the central role of transport electrification in meeting climate goals.

“Increasing EV uptake is the highway to Australia’s 2035 climate target,” Delvecchio says.

“To hit the 2035 target, one in every two cars sold within the decade must be electric – that means we need to shift gears and support more Australians to make the switch.”

Transport sector emissions growth

The transport sector is Australia’s fastest growing source of emissions and is set to become the largest by 2030, according to Delvecchio.

“So it’s encouraging to see the federal government recognises that electrifying transport is at the centre of reaching climate goals,” she says.

Delvecchio says it is positive to see Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister Chris Bowen recognise that Australians are taking up EVs at record rates. The federal government has invested in incentives including the Electric Car Discount, the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard, and programs like ‘Driving the Nation’ to expand public charging.

The federal government has also announced an additional $40 million to support the roll out of kerbside and fast EV charging.

“The government’s new funding in support of the target for EV charging is a good step, because we know that charging is a critical part of driving EV adoption,” Delvecchio says.

Collaboration required

However, getting 20 times more EVs on the road by 2035 would require governments and industry to work together, particularly additional investment from states and territories which have removed many EV incentives, according to Delvecchio.

“We must look beyond passenger cars – decarbonising heavy vehicles is just as critical. Australia should also invest in emerging technologies like vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid,” she says.

Delvecchio says the benefits of increased EV adoption extend beyond emissions reduction.

“Fewer emissions, cleaner air, quieter streets, fuel savings, and a more stable grid – that’s the power of more EVs on our roads. We look forward to working with the government to progress its ambition to encourage EV uptake and getting more everyday Australians to realise the benefits of driving electric.”