ELECTRIC VEHICLES MIGHT MAKE TRADIES’ WEEKENDS

IT was interesting to read Europe is targeting zero-emissions vehicles only by 2035 (“Ford Falcon return in your electric dreams”, 6/5).

What a pity the Morrison government was so anti-EVs three years ago when then small business minister Michaelia Cash wanted to save tradies’ utes and weekends.

Even now they do not have an adequate transport emissions policy. Fuel efficiency (CO emission) standards have been adopted in about 80 per cent of the global light vehicle market, including the US, the EU, Canada, Japan, China, South Korea, and India – but not Australia.

As a result, while emissions are coming down in the electricity sector thanks to renewables, they continue to rise in the Australian transport sector. And it’s costing Australians money too. In 2019, a report by Transport Energy/ Emission Research found if emissions standards were introduced, Australians could have saved about $1.3bn in fuel over three years. And since then, the price of fuel has increased to record levels.

The Ford F-150 Lightning ute comes with 11 power outlets that can be used for tools and charging other battery-powered gear. They even have bi-directional charging that can power a home at a rate of 9.6kW for three days. Tradies will love them, as will campers.

Ray Peck, Hawthorn