Bowen says Australia’s small but growing fleet of EVs is saving 15 million litres of petrol a week

Australia’s relatively small but expanding electric vehicle (EV) fleet is already making a significant impact on fuel consumption, according to Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen. Speaking at a press conference in Canberra, Bowen highlighted that despite EVs comprising less than 2 per cent of the nation’s total car fleet, they are saving approximately 15 million litres of petrol each week. This reduction in fuel demand is particularly relevant in light of the recent fire at the Viva Energy refinery in Victoria, which has disrupted fuel production and intensified supply concerns. The minister noted that EV sales have recently hit a record 14.5 per cent of new car sales, driven in part by the global fuel crisis. While the overall penetration of EVs in Australia remains modest compared to countries like Norway—where EVs make up nearly a third of the car fleet—Bowen emphasised the potential for further fuel savings as electric vehicle adoption grows. He explained that the current savings equate to around 36 litres of fuel avoided per EV each week, underscoring the tangible benefits of transitioning to electric transport. Bowen also addressed questions about whether the current fossil fuel supply shock should prompt increased domestic fossil fuel production. He rejected this notion, arguing that reliance on fossil fuels is not a sustainable solution to supply issues. Instead, he advocated for continued investment in electrification and renewable energy sources to reduce Australia’s vulnerability to volatile global fossil fuel markets. This approach aligns with the government’s broader strategy to enhance energy sovereignty and mitigate the risks associated with fossil fuel dependency. The remarks from Bowen reflect a growing recognition within Australian political circles of the strategic importance of electric vehicles in energy and climate policy. As the government rolls out its National Electric Vehicle Strategy, the focus remains on accelerating EV uptake to ease fuel demand pressures and support the transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy system. With EV sales on the rise, Australia is poised to follow the global trend towards electrified transport, albeit from a smaller base.