Merri-bek’s Mayor Angelica Panopoulos has joined 120 Mayors and Councillors across Australia calling on the Federal Government to supercharge the country’s supply of affordable electric vehicles.
A joint statement, released today, and signed by 120 council elected officials, urges the Federal Government to legislate fuel efficiency standards that:
- Are mandatory and deliver at least equivalent settings to those in other major markets.
- Give Australian drivers more choice and affordability than they have today.
- Support 100% of new vehicles sold in Australia to become zero emissions as soon as possible.
- Are reviewed and updated approximately every five years.
“As an early adopter, Merri-bek purchased its first electric vehicle in 2013. Now with 28 EVs in our passenger fleet, we have one of Victoria’s largest entirely pure electric fleets, powered by renewable electricity from the Crowlands wind farm with considerable environmental and financial benefits already realised.” Said Merri-bek Mayor Cr Angelica Panopoulos.
“But for many people in our community, the cost of buying an electric car is still out of reach.”
“With world leading national fuel efficiency standards, more low and zero emissions vehicles will be brought to Australia, delivering more choice, better technology and improved accessibility to cars that are cheaper to run and maintain for everyone.”
