THE GOVERNMENT HAS A 'FRIENDS OF EVS' PROGRAM NOW

EV Channels Review

John Cadogan critically dissects the recent 'Parliamentary Friends of Electric Vehicles' event, labeling it a performative display by politicians and industry lobbyists. He argues that the rhetoric surrounding EVs in Canberra is detached from reality, highlighting the disconnect between the "elite" pushing for EVs and the actual preferences of Australian consumers. Cadogan points to the sales figures of popular vehicles, noting that only a fraction are available as plug-in hybrids and none as pure EVs, suggesting that the demand for EVs is largely manufactured through government incentives, particularly salary packaging, which he believes primarily benefits finance companies. He criticizes the notion of being a "friend of electric vehicles" as absurd and questions the sincerity of linking EV adoption to solving the cost of living crisis, asserting that those struggling with the crisis cannot afford new vehicles. While acknowledging the potential for EVs to reduce national emissions by 10%, he contrasts this with Australia's significant role as an exporter of fossil fuels. Cadogan concludes that the EV push is a self-serving endeavor for lobbyists and a "greenwashing" exercise, rather than a genuine reflection of consumer desire or a solution to economic hardship.