Submission to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water inquiry into the transition to electric vehicles

The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) supports a comprehensive plan for Australia's transition to electric vehicles (EVs). Australia is in a prime position to thrive in the global electric vehicle (EV) market. Our abundant resources, renewable energy generation, and research strengths position us perfectly. ATSE has the following recommendations for focused, immediate, agenda-setting actions to ensure a smooth transition to EVs: 

• Recommendation 1: Incentivise EV adoption by implementing a strategy that includes both demand and supply-side policies to address electrification of all vehicle segments (buses, trucks, and micro-mobility for public, private, freight and industrial use). 
• Recommendation 2: Build a skilled workforce by investing in programs and initiatives to equip our workforce with engineering and technology skills for research, development, and implementation of EV technologies. 
• Recommendation 3: Target investment in the EV value chain in areas where Australia holds a distinct advantage, like battery manufacturing to accelerate progress as a leader in the global EV value chain. 
• Recommendation 4: Develop a nationwide network of accessible and reliable EV charging stations, while simultaneously exploring and implementing policies to ensure grid reliability for a sustainable electricity supply of the growing EV fleet. 

By implementing these recommendations, Australia can seize the opportunity presented by EVs and become a global leader in this transformative industry.