Media release – Tasmanian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (TACC), 9 April 2024

TACC calls for electric vehicle strategy and action on headworks

The Tasmanian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (TACC) represents 400 automotive businesses across Tasmania.

One of the biggest challenges the industry faces is the transition towards electric vehicles.

TACC State Manager, Bruce McIntosh is calling for a strategy for managing the transition.

“We are already seeing many Tasmanians and businesses switching to electric vehicles,” Mr McIntosh said.

“While it’s great to see EVs charged with our clean, green hydro power, there are challenges that we need to address.

“Many dealers and service centres must install fast chargers before they can either sell or service electric vehicles. However, in some cases the energy infrastructure isn’t there to support that.

“Some dealers and service centres are being told they will need to pay up to $1 million each to get the grid connection they need to install the required chargers.

“While businesses understand there is a cost to upgrading infrastructure, in some cases it is prohibitive. We would like to see greater consideration given to the needs of dealers and service centres when planning transmission infrastructure upgrades.

“As more EVs enter the market, we could also see increasing spikes in demand as drivers charge their vehicles at similar times, which will also need careful consideration and planning.

“Of course, more EVs will also add pressure to the grid and we need to ensure Tasmania’s energy supply can keep up with demand.

“We believe EVs will help Tasmania achieve its emission reduction targets, but we need a strategic plan in place that brings together dealers, service centres, the government, Hydro, Aurora and TasNetworks.”

TCCI CEO, Michael Bailey, said there was a clear need to make sure the transition was managed well.

“This is the direction many businesses need to take and we need to make sure they have the support to do it properly,” Mr Bailey said.

“Having fit-for-purpose infrastructure isn’t something that would be nice to have, it is an absolute must have.

“We need to make sure that there is a strategy in place so that we don’t see Tasmanian businesses left behind or burdened with unreasonable costs just to keep up with what is a national and global change that is underway.”