Race to zero: vehicle brands' progress to no emissions

As the federal government now develops its National Electric Vehicle Strategy, the Climate Council has released its Race to Zero Ranking 2022 which shows how some of the car manufacturers that supply vehicles to Australia are racing towards the switch to electric, zero-emissions vehicles.

The Race to Zero Ranking 2022* from best to worst is as follows:

1. Polestar
2. Tesla
3. Volvo
4. Ford
5. Volkswagen
6. Mazda
7. Hyundai
8. Kia
9. Honda
10. Nissan and Mitsubishi
11. Toyota
12. Isuzu

_{*These brands were chosen due to their status as Australia’s top-selling car makers.}

Polestar and Tesla are streets ahead as they are already exclusively manufacturing completely electric vehicles, while Volvo, Ford and Volkswagen are leading the pack for traditional auto manufacturers with targets to fully electrify their fleets (to all battery electric vehicles [BEVs]) between 2030 and 2040. At the bottom of the list are Toyota and Isuzu, who have yet to make any commitments to take their fleets all-electric.

In order to boost the uptake of EVs in Australia, the Climate Council is calling on the federal government to set fuel efficiency standards that could result in 100% of new vehicles sold in Australia being zero emissions as soon as possible.

Fuel efficiency standards are designed to limit how much pollution a new model vehicle can release, with fines for those manufacturers who don’t comply. The standards can therefore provide incentives for car makers to supply low- and zero-emissions vehicles to our country.

Fuel efficiency standards have already been adopted in around 80% of the global car market, but Australia has yet to make much progress on their implementation. However, in international markets where fuel efficiency standards have already been put in place, research has shown that the supply of EVs has increased while their price has been driven down.

Dr Jennifer Rayner, the Climate Council’s Head of Advocacy, said: “Many major manufacturers know that all-electric is the way to go. Implementing strong fuel efficiency standards would ensure 100% of new vehicles sold be zero emissions by the middle of next decade.”

Climate Councillor and former President of BP Australasia Greg Bourne said: “The vehicle industry must do its bit towards Australia’s new target of cutting emissions by at least 43% by 2030. If we are to make EVs affordable and accessible to Australians then all major manufacturers need to step up their game on delivering cleaner fleets to our local market. The uptake of electric vehicles is gaining momentum and these manufacturers can become strong contenders in the race to zero.”

Image caption: iStock.com/SimonSkafar