The Australian government has released the country’s National Electric Vehicle Strategy, reported the Australasian Fleet Management Association (AfMA), a nonprofit industry body throughout Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia.

The strategy presents a “comprehensive roadmap" to allow Australians a better choice of electric vehicles and "encourage greater use of cleaner, cheaper-to-run vehicles,” AfMA explained.

“This strategy provides the coordination and leadership to drive down costs and improve infrastructure so – that we get more affordable and accessible electric vehicles on the market,” Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said, noting Australian governments, car makers, motoring clubs, climate groups, businesses and unions agreed on the goal.

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King said the government is working on fuel efficiency standards that work for Australia’s market.

Officials plan to collaborate with stakeholders in developing the standards and hope to introduce them to parliament by the end of 2023, King said.

According to Bowen, “Australia and Russia are the only two developed countries without fuel efficiency standards in place or under development. That position should not be allowed to continue.”

Fuel efficiency standards apply to more than 85% of all cars sold in the world with Australia one of the few industrialized countries without mandated standards, reported AfMA. According to the association, "a fuel efficiency standard will ensure more low- and zero-emissions cars come to Australia by requiring car manufacturers to meet an average emissions target for the cars they sell. A standard will also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality."