Polestar Calls for Stronger NVES as FCAI Drags Its Feet

Polestar, the Swedish electric performance brand, is taking a firm stance on Australia’s long-overdue shift towards cleaner motoring, calling on the Federal Government to stick to its guns on the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES). Meanwhile, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) seems determined to keep us wading through a sea of outdated petrol-burners.

FCAI boss Tony Weber recently suggested that the NVES should be softened, citing January and February electric vehicle (EV) sales figures as cause for concern. Never mind the fact that EV sales actually outpaced the broader market – up 4.7% compared to 1.7% for all new vehicles in 2024. But let’s not let facts get in the way of a good old-fashioned resistance to progress.

Polestar, refusing to play along with the FCAI’s sluggish approach, cut ties with the industry body in March 2024. The move was a clear statement: if Australia wants to align with global emissions standards, it’s time to stop pandering to the laggards. While the FCAI clings to the past, Polestar is making sure it’s part of the future.

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This weekend, Polestar will be front and centre at Everything Electric in Sydney, where Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, will also be in attendance. Expect plenty of conversation about how Australia can finally catch up with the rest of the world in EV adoption – whether the FCAI likes it or not.

If Polestar’s move proves anything, it’s that not all carmakers are willing to sit back and let the old guard dictate Australia’s automotive future. The question now is: will the government listen to those who are driving change, or those trying to pump the brakes?

Head of Polestar Australia, Scott Maynard, says:

“Efforts to undermine this legislation will only disadvantage Australians.

“This week’s comments from the FCAI are the latest in a campaign to water down long-overdue emissions standards that will deliver Australians cleaner cars and lower running costs.

“The NVES was developed to lower vehicle emissions by incentivising carmakers to offer more hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric options, and we can clearly see car brands rising to that challenge.

“By the end of the year, Australian new car buyers will have over 100 battery electric vehicles available to them.

“Over 85 per cent of global car markets have a fuel efficiency standard in place to deliver improved health outcomes and reduce ownership costs. We must stay the course to see these benefits realised in Australia.”

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