Switching to electric cars, vans and buses is the easiest route to cleaner transport but Australia needs to get in the fast lane with a national plan, a report warns.
Australia is heading for failure on 2030 and 2050 emissions reduction commitments if it does not accelerate the transport transition, according to a report released on Wednesday by a team of 18 experts.
The Framework for an Australian Clean Transport Strategy (FACTS) report found, on the current trajectory, transport will represent more than half of emissions by 2030.
Research chair Jake Whitehead told AAP he is hopeful the next federal government will show a greater willingness to work with the states and territories who are filling the “policy vacuum” with a confusing mix of road-user charges and subsidies for electric vehicles (EVs).
“This is a missed opportunity,” he said.
“We need to reform road tax more broadly and simply latching onto EVs as the problem is a red herring.”
More than $30 billion is spent on imported fuel so pivoting to electric cars and trucks would redirect spending towards buying Australian renewable energy to power up batteries, he said.
“The benefits of that far outweigh revenue losses.”
The report calls for a federal commitment to net zero emissions from land transport by 2045 at the latest, which require more renewable energy generation.
A national strategy could also help manage the impact of high petrol and diesel prices on the cost of living.
Using electric trucks for transporting groceries from major supermarkets could significantly reduce costs over time and would help end Australia’s exposure to volatile fuel prices, Dr Whitehead said.
Co-author Bjorn Sturmberg said electrifying ferries, trains and trucks would take longer than light vehicles, while around mid-century is an attainable target for cleaner shipping and aviation.
That means no new diesel or natural gas-fuelled buses by next year at the latest, and the immediate transition of state and federal government vehicle fleets.
Engines-off zones at schools, parks and hospitals are also recommended, as vehicle idling pumps out emissions the equivalent of driving more than 1.5 million cars.
Researchers found regional and rural communities need more infrastructure and finance so they don’t get penalised for the barriers they face.
“We’re not all inner-city wealthy individuals who are just going to buy a Tesla,” Dr Sturmberg said.
“We need a comprehensive strategy for the country so that we can take into account those differences and roll out the right technology and solutions.”
In line with other states, Western Australia’s state budget on Thursday will introduce a road-user charge for zero- and low-emission light vehicles but it will be deferred until 2027, similar to NSW’s new tax.
Dr Whitehead said the fairest way to price the cost of transport would be through emissions and congestion fees, particularly in cities, rather than putting a tax on how far someone is driving.
The report calls for Australia to phase out fossil fuel-powered cars and target 100 per cent zero emission light-vehicle sales by 2035.
