The Australian Industry Group, a leading industry association, has lobbied for Victoria’s Labor government to defer its decision to enact an electric vehicle tax, warning that the result will disincentivise the transition to cleaner vehicles. The tax proposed by Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas is expected to become law by July 1, and will charge zero-emission vehicles 2.5 cents per kilometre and hybrid vehicles 2 cents per kilometre, a toll that’s expected to generate $30 million over four years. Australian Industry Group Chief Executive Innes Willox said that, while the tax was needed, the poor timing will lead to a slower acceptance of electric vehicles, contradicting the nation’s goal to reduce carbon emissions. “Road infrastructure needs to be paid for, and it will be important in the long term to maintain the tax base as batteries and fuel cells replace petrol tanks in Australia’s vehicle fleet,” Willox said. “But Australia is …