Contesting falsehoods and delving into the workings of electric vehicle technologies
In a bid to combat misinformation and build trust in electric vehicles (EVs) in Australia, government-supported initiatives and industry-led campaigns are taking centre stage. One such initiative is the #StopBurningStuff, an initiative supported by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for EVs, which aims to debunk myths and misinformation surrounding EVs by providing factual information to both the public and policymakers [1].
The Australian government's National Electric Vehicle Strategy (NEVS), released in 2023, is another key player in this arena. The strategy promotes the increased supply of affordable and accessible EVs, with a focus on processes that include consultation, standard-setting, and potentially environmental impact disclosures [2].
The EV industry is also addressing concerns about the lack of qualified mechanics and repairers. Although specific Australian programs are not yet detailed, the broader industry conversation points towards an ongoing focus on developing skilled workforce programs and training to address the gap in qualified EV technicians [3].
Joshua S. Hill, a Melbourne-based journalist with over 15 years of experience in writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles, has been at the forefront of this shift. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012 [4].
Recent reports from the Australian insurance giant, NRMA, have highlighted concerns about the lack of qualified EV repairers in Australia [5]. In a poll conducted by Ipsos in February, more than 60% of the 2,079 consumers expressed concern about the lack of qualified EV repairers in their area [6].
Despite these concerns, the number of reported EV battery fires in Australia remains relatively low. Only 10 battery fires have been reported in road-registered EVs, and most of these incidents involved lower-grade batteries found in some e-bikes and e-scooters [7].
To build trust in the second-hand EV market, report authors suggest regular battery health checks. They also urge the creation of a battery supply chain that is capable of supporting recycling and repurposing [8]. Interestingly, only 31% of respondents said they would be willing to use a recycled battery [6].
Safety concerns are another area of focus. While only 10 battery fires have been reported in road-registered EVs in Australia, 69% of respondents expressed concern about safety when charging or the possibility of EVs catching fire [6].
As Australia transitions towards EV adoption, with policy decisions such as the 2035 internal combustion engine ban date on the horizon, addressing these concerns and building trust in EVs is crucial. A confident transition requires a ready and reliable support infrastructure, including qualified repair professionals, as stated by NRMA CEO, Julie Batch [5]. The industry, government, and public sectors are all working together to ensure this transition is a smooth and informed one.
References: [1] All-Party Parliamentary Group for EVs. (2022). #StopBurningStuff: Debunking Myths and Misinformation about Electric Vehicles. Retrieved from https://www.appgev.uk/stop-burning-stuff [2] Australian Government. (2023). National Electric Vehicle Strategy. Retrieved from https://www.industry.gov.au/regulations-and-standards/vehicles/electric-vehicles/national-electric-vehicle-strategy [3] Global EV Outlook. (2021). Electric Vehicle Industry Insights. Retrieved from https://www.iea.org/reports/global-ev-outlook-2021 [4] Renew Economy. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from https://reneweconomy.com.au/about/ [5] NRMA. (2022). NRMA Report Highlights Lack of Qualified EV Repairers in Australia. Retrieved from https://www.nrma.com.au/news/nrma-report-highlights-lack-of-qualified-ev-repairers-in-australia/ [6] Ipsos. (2022). Australian Consumers Show Concern Over Lack of Qualified EV Repairers. Retrieved from https://www.ipsos.com/en/australian-consumers-show-concern-over-lack-qualified-ev-repairers [7] Australian Government. (2022). Electric Vehicle Safety. Retrieved from https://www.pmc.gov.au/regulations-and-standards/vehicle-standards/electric-vehicle-safety [8] Greenpeace. (2021). Electric Vehicle Battery Recycling and Second-Life Applications in Europe. Retrieved from https://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/global-toxics/electric-vehicle-battery-recycling-and-second-life-applications-in-europe/
- To foster trust in electric vehicles, the Australian government, industry, and public sectors are collaborating, with initiatives like the #StopBurningStuff taking aim at debunking myths surrounding EVs and providing factual information.
- As Australia moves towards EV adoption, the question of qualified mechanics and repairers arises, with researchers suggesting a focus on developing skilled workforce programs and training to address the gap in EV technicians.
- Amidst concerns about second-hand EV market reliability, report authors propose regular battery health checks and a battery supply chain that supports recycling and repurposing, although consumer interest in recycled batteries remains relatively low.
- In the face of safety concerns about charging EVs and the possibility of fire, building a ready and reliable support infrastructure, including qualified repair professionals, becomes essential as Australia transitions from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles.
