RAC has welcomed a plan by the WA Opposition to support electric and automated vehicle technology and more sustainable transport in Western Australia.
RAC General Manager Corporate Affairs Will Golsby said emerging technologies, such as electric and driverless vehicles, will play an important role in driving down harmful vehicle emissions and improving mobility.
“The WA Opposition has taken a positive stance on addressing some important transport challenges we face in Western Australia, including the acceleration of cleaner and driverless vehicle technologies,” Mr Golsby said.
“With human error responsible for the vast majority of crashes, if we can safely transition to driverless vehicles sooner, hundreds of Australian lives could be saved, and thousands of serious injuries prevented.”
A 2019 survey of RAC members revealed nearly 64 per cent of Western Australians wanted more government action to reduce vehicle emissions, with half of respondents open to purchasing an electric or hybrid vehicle as their next car.
“It’s great to see more sustainable transport options recognised as a priority for our future,” Mr Golsby said.
“More EV charging stations across Western Australia will be crucial to reducing the barriers to EV uptake — with range anxiety remaining a significant roadblock.
“RAC has consistently called for action to provide Western Australians with cleaner air and access to safer and better-connected vehicle technologies.
“Recent announcements focused on smarter and sustainable transport are promising and we look forward to engaging further on the details and delivery of these initiatives.”
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Media contact: RAC media team, 0401 703 719 or media@rac.com.au
BACKGROUND
RAC Intellibus® Trial
Since 2015, RAC has been operating Australia’s longest-running Automated Vehicle trial. The RAC Intellibus®, a fully driverless and electric bus, has had more than 16,000 people take a ride and has travelled more than 25,000kms of public roads – including in South Perth, Busselton and Geraldton.
RAC Electric Highway®
The Australian-first RAC Electric Highway® features 12 locations in Perth and the South West with publicly accessible electric vehicle fast-charging stations.
Low and zero emission vehicles
A transition to cleaner transport and an acceleration of the uptake of low emissions vehicles is essential to reduce harmful vehicle emissions. Download RAC Mobility Bulletin on incentives to drive uptake.
