We know there is an overwhelming hesitancy about EVs that persists throughout Queensland, and it grows the further you are from the city. However there are massive economic opportunities that would benefit the entire state.

That is why listening to Queenslanders and getting the policies right north of the border must be front of mind for Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen and Transport Minister Catherine King.

Queenslanders put ‘purchase cost’ at the top of the list when telling RACQ about the factors that discourage them from getting an EV. The Queensland Government made a good first move this year with a $3,000 rebate. The new Federal Government has followed through with a Fringe Benefit Tax exemption, worth several thousand dollars each year depending on income and car, which should pass the Senate in coming weeks.

Next is distance anxiety. Queenslanders need the confidence to know that EVs will take them where they need to go. They are very cautious about distance travelled and the convenience of recharging sites. Governments are moving with industry partners, including RACQ, but this is still a work in progress.

Restricted availability has been obvious to our over 1.7 million members for some time. RACQ believes the best solution is to incentivise vehicle supply by following the rest of the developed world and implementing a fuel efficiency standard for new cars – a standard that must be fit-for-purpose in Australia. These standards put a limit on the average emissions of cars sold by each manufacturer. Cars that exceed the average attract a penalty, forcing manufacturers to sell zero or low emission cars to avoid the penalty. This system would increase the supply of EVs in Australia. The Federal Government must start targeted consultation now with industry on this critical work.

We also risk overlooking a simple, yet critical factor that always registers in RACQ’s surveys – a lack of knowledge about EVs. It’s all good to open up the EV market, make them cheaper and make them more convenient to charge, but if motorists still don’t know what they should buy, then it all amounts to nothing.

This is where motoring bodies, such as RACQ, can make a huge difference. We need to get unbiased, trusted information that compares options and provides simple to understand facts so that motorists can make informed decisions about their next car.

The extent to which the Sunshine State responds to and benefits from EVs will make or break any national strategy.

If we are not looking at the journey ahead as a state-defining economic opportunity for Queensland, then we are starting from the wrong place. New jobs and new industries will go begging. But there are so many policy decisions Governments need to get right.

Queensland is, of course, a very large and decentralised state. Our critical industries, particularly agriculture, resources, and tourism, rely heavily on the long drive. So a fundamental shift in energy efficiency does more for Queensland than any other state. Widespread electrification will make Queensland cheaper to transverse and that’s good for our people and good for our economy.

We are also super-rich in the minerals needed to manufacture solar batteries as well as cleaner biofuels to supplement electrification. Queensland has a lot to gain given the future of petrol and diesel prices that will keep threatening the economy.

These pieces, and many more, are required for Queenslanders to embrace EVs and help decarbonise transport in Australia. But if Queenslanders are not convinced, in the absence of the right investment and policies, they will continue to keep their distance.

Similarly, if they feel ‘ideology’ is driving policy, rather than economic opportunity and common sense, they will have reason to abandon the transition. So RACQ’s ask to the Federal Government is this – put your faith in Queenslanders, and understand their concerns and doubts, and they will help you get it done and reap the benefits. We won’t let you down.

To read RACQ’s submission to the National Electric Vehicle Strategy consultation visit www.racq.com.au/evsubmission