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Australia Sets 2035 Emissions Target as Net Zero Plan Relies on EV Surge

Government modelling says meeting the goal requires electric vehicles to dominate new car sales.

Overview

  • The Net Zero Plan commits to reducing emissions 62–70% below 2005 levels by 2035.
  • Published advice indicates EVs need to reach about 85% of passenger sales by 2035, with 75% for commercial vehicles.
  • The government announced $40 million for kerb‑side and public charging and scheduled a 2026 review of the vehicle efficiency standard.
  • The plan warns of cybersecurity risks from foreign‑owned connected devices, including EVs, as Chinese‑made models make up a large share of local sales.
  • Ministers say there is no EV sales target, while policy tensions grow over road‑user charging and generous novated‑lease tax breaks, with EVs currently near 10% of new sales.