Level playing field?

Lindsay Love’s letter ‘Rethinking electric vehicles’ (SGST) is very misleading.

His notion of a level playing field ignores the fact that we currently spend billions of dollars to overseas companies, importing refined fuel to run our ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) cars.

There is nothing level about the ongoing cost of petrol or diesel as the cost of these fuels is on an upward trajectory. Prices are controlled by supply and demand and the conflict in eastern Europe is putting a lot of pressure on supply.

If that conflict was in Asia, then these imports could just as easily be cut altogether. Australian stocks of petrol/diesel are insufficient to sustain this country much beyond a couple of weeks. So much for fuel security, let alone the drawdown on our national economy.

If Australian householders could charge their vehicle from renewable energy, like rooftop solar, then motorists would be financially much better off as well as having a large rechargeable car battery to provide backup electricity for the home.

There is no real problem with provision of charging points for electric cars as they can be installed wherever the electric grid goes. For remote communities, renewable energy, electrical storage and electric vehicles makes for an economical, sustainable and secure lifestyle.

Currently, our supermarkets are keen to provide fuel discounts and centres for the sale of petrol, diesel and LPG, but what is to stop them from building fast electric chargers in their parking lots and making a few bucks while we do the weekly shopping?

The Victorian government is already investing in this charging infrastructure to facilitate a smooth rollout of charging stations along public roads.
Every state government is providing incentives to promote the uptake of electric transport, both private and public, in line with their policies to retire fossil fuels.

The Victorian government plan is quite modest with an upfront rebate of $3000 off the cost of a new EV (with a price tag of less than $68,740), but they are also charging an annual road levy of $375 on EV owners so that EV drivers are paying their fair share of state highway maintenance.

Lindsay has also ignored the fact that there is currently no federal policy or assistance for the purchase of EVs, but primary producers and most business owners can claim a rebate on GST as well as write-off the value of a new ICE vehicle over several years as a tax deduction.

There certainly is no level playing field for many Australian workers who pay a fixed tax rate as well as GST on all purchases and are finding it difficult to put food on the table for their families.

Wages have stagnated for many years whereas prices, particularly fuel prices, are climbing steadily. Within this scenario, it is almost obscene for Lindsay to suggest that the great Australian lifestyle demands a big petrol-guzzling vehicle to tow the caravan and boat.

Did Lindsay consider health costs associated with a transport system based on petroleum within his level playing field?

Australians are constantly breathing in exhaust toxins from cars and trucks on our roads which contribute to heart disease and many cancers.

The Victorian government plans to have 50 per cent of all new cars “emission free” by 2030, and new public transport 100 per cent emission free by 2025.

These government priorities will benefit public health and save money but will people like Lindsay ever be grateful?

Figures regarding EV policy by state governments was taken from the website carsales.com.au.

Ted Minty, North Wonthaggi.