Introducing an ambitious fuel-efficiency standard in Australia could save drivers up to $10,000 over the life of their vehicles, reduce the price of electric cars by 2.8 percent each year, and cut 31 million tonnes of carbon emissions by 2035, according to a new study.
It found the policy could also deliver economic and environmental benefits worth $13.6 billion by 2035, though it would lead to “modest” rises in the price of petrol and diesel vehicles.
The study, prepared by Mandala and commissioned by the Climate Council and Electric Vehicle Council, came months before the federal government was expected to release a draft fuel-efficiency standard.
Electric Vehicle Council chief executive Behyad Jafari said the research findings underlined the importance of the policy, which would set a limit on automakers’ fleets and encourage brands to bring more zero- and low-emission vehicles into the country….