In its submission to Treasury’s review of the Electric Car Discount. The FCAI said measures such as the Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption remained an important complement to the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), which is a supply-side measure.

FCAI chief executive Tony Weber said that sales results have shown that the FBT exemption has played an important role in encouraging consumers to purchase an electric vehicle.

“Manufacturers have responded to the NVES by expanding the range of BEVs available. With more than 100 models now on sale,” Mr Weber said.

“Supply-side regulation alone will not deliver the transition. Consumer demand must also be supported. If Australia is to meet its emissions reduction objectives in an affordable and practical way.”

“The Federal Government must consider other forms of demand side incentives if it removes the FBT exemption. These incentives can support the ambitious targets of the NVES by encouraging more Australians to adopt battery electric and other forms of low emissions vehicles.

EV transition slowing down

BEVs accounted for 8.3 per cent of new vehicle sales in 2025. Demand is sensitive to upfront cost, total cost of ownership and access to charging infrastructure.

“As NVES targets tighten over coming years. Changes to demand-side incentives must be carefully designed. To improve accessibility and avoid undermining consumer confidence,” Mr Weber said.

International experience shows that abrupt removal of incentives can lead to declines in electric vehicle uptake.

The FCAI recommends that the Federal Government:

• continue demand-side incentives to complement the NVES
• ensure any reform of the FBT exemption improves accessibility for consumers
• extend tariff exemptions to include electrified light commercial vehicles

The FCAI’s submission can be viewed here

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Tesla has now joined the group and for the first time the sales figures for the latest month – March 2022, include their numbers which appear to be very significant.

Also included are the figures for another electric car manufacturer, is the Swedish company Polestar which arose out of the Volvo car company that is now Chinese owned.

This is one indication of electric car manufacturers embracing the mainstream.

Samantha Johnson is the Managing Director for Polestar in Australia. Prior to an official announcement, I asked her if Polestar was a member of FCAI

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Samantha Johnson: Absolutely. And especially I’ve just been appointed the board on the board of the Electric Vehicle Council and thank you very much. And really, that gives us a great voice and being able to really work on the areas that we feel are our high priority. So, you know, educating people on charging infrastructure and making sure that that’s done in the right way.

FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said the relatively stable result reflected the challenges facing the global automotive industry.

“This is historically a unique time in which supply rather than demand is determining the size of the market. This is due to manufacturers recovering from the pandemic-related shutdowns and the ongoing global shortage of micro processing units.

“Consumer inquiries and demand for new cars remains strong. Manufacturers are working hard to match this demand with supply,” Mr Weber added.

Australians are purchasing zero and low emission vehicles in greater numbers, with the FCAI pleased to report on two members’ sales for the first time, Tesla and Polestar.

“The addition of Polestar and Tesla further cements VFacts as the premier source of new motor vehicle sales data in Australia. Mr Weber also noted that in interpreting the data for March 2022, care should be taken as the Tesla data represents the company sales for the first three months of 2022.

Motoring Minutes are heard around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network and are also syndicated through various news sites around Australia.  

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 150,000 listeners. That’s over 750,000 listeners a week.

Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive Radio Program, which is broadcast through the Community Radio Network across Australia

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