Petrol cars should pay double for ‘the cost of their pollution’, electric vehicle advocates say
Australia’s leading electric vehicle advocacy group has proposed a universal road user charge based on vehicle weight and distance travelled. Petrol and diesel drivers would pay this charge alongside the existing fuel excise, effectively paying twice to account for both road wear and pollution, while EV drivers would also contribute towards road maintenance.
The proposed charge would be calculated at three cents per tonne-kilometre annually. A 2.1-tonne Toyota HiLux travelling 13,000 kilometres would pay about A$823, compared with A$379 for a 970kg Suzuki Swift Sport; Energy Minister Chris Bowen supports exploring such a system but says it requires further work and should not be rushed.
- EV advocates propose a universal weight-and-distance road charge.
- Petrol and diesel drivers would also retain the fuel excise.
- Ministers support discussions but say implementation needs careful planning.