A long list of manufacturers have set deadlines to phase out internal combustion engines, committing to an electric future. But, what does that mean for buyers as we enter a new world of automotive?
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We’ve been asked:
Will I still be able to buy ICE vehicles in the near future?
Zero-emissions battery-electric power is an avenue many car manufacturers are gearing towards. But, this doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to buy cars with internal combustion engines in the near future.
As it stands, ACT is the only Australian jurisdiction to announce an end date for the sale of petrol or diesel new-car sales – with a deadline of 2035.
Demand for all-electric vehicles is rapidly increasing in Australia, with the most recent new-car sales data reporting an increase of 22 per cent in the past month. While an increase of 889 per cent was reported over the prior year, or a 303 per cent increase with Tesla sales excluded, as the company didn’t reveal its monthly sales until March 2022.
These figures are high, however, EVs still only accounted for around seven percent of total new-car sales last month.
While we can talk near to short term, it’s impossible to say if they’ll be available indefinitely. Particular brands may exit from petrol and diesel sales, but with some car manufacturers not making the commitment until at least 2030, it shouldn’t distress buyers in the imminent future (if electric vehicles aren’t their flavour).
For example, Toyota has been outspoken with its plans to retain petrol and diesel-powered cars as a key part of its lineup. In October last year a senior executive at the company, Sean Hanley said, “In the market we operate in, we believe right now that the solution is a diversity of products and powertrains (engines).
On the flip side, Volvo is leading the electric-powered vehicle charge, pledging to axe its last petrol-powered car in Australia by 2026 – four years ahead of its global deadline.
The current Volvo range includes two electric vehicles, the XC40 Recharge and the C40, which is the company’s first dedicated electric vehicle.
The Chinese-owned Swedish automaker has also committed to five new electric Volvos over the next five years.
“I think what you’ll see is new products coming into the marketplace,” said Volvo Car Australia boss, Stephen Connor.
“There won’t be any gaps, we will still focus on core models, but any new models that come in will be fully electric.”
The Stellantis group which covers the Jeep, Chrysler, Fiat, Peugeot, Citroen and Opel brands, has declared that it will no longer put money behind the development of new ICE cars.
German luxury brand, Porsche is yet to announce a deadline for petrol and diesel engines, but is targeting carbon neutrality by 2030.
While brands such as GWM Haval, Maserati, and Rolls Royce, to name a few, will only build EVs by 2030.
Finally, worth a mention, are dedicated electric car companies such as American automotive giant, Tesla, who continue to charge up the sales charts in Australia.
BYD is the latest to arrive in Australia as a challenger in the EV space. The Chinese company launched its small SUV, the Atto 3, at the end of last year. The automaker has plans to grow its presence here, with another two offerings to go on sale by the end of 2023.
Fundamentally, buyers will have choice and the phase out process could be a long one. But, there are still a lot of questions unanswered as to when, who and how.
Have a question about your next set of wheels or just need some car advice? No query is too big, small or obscure! Call in to the radio show (Trent on 2GB Sydney 1:30pm Monday and 9:00pm Wednesday, 5AA South Australia 1:30pm Tuesday, and James on 3AW Melbourne 9:00pm each Thursday), or contact us by email here: contactus@drive.com.au.
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