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Bruce Newton15 Feb 2018
NEWS

BMW halts new EVs for Oz

Until government support for electric cars eventuates, BMW will not import new EVs into Australia

Electric vehicle champion BMW has no plans to import any new EV models beyond the freshly-launched i3s until the federal government provides support for the take-up for the technology.

Instead, BMW Australia will focus on adding more plug-in hybrids to its line-up of SUVs and passenger cars.

BMW Australia managing director Marc Werner confirmed the strategy to motoring.com.au at this week's annual 'range day' media event, which doubled as a launch of the i3s.

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As has become his custom in recent times, Werner was scathing in his review of the federal government’s lack of interest in EVs.

"In Australia, we continue to languish in the doldrums as senior government officials concentrate on their private affairs rather than formulating the advancement of our society," he said, making an obvious reference to Barnaby Joyce's recent dramas.

"The short-sighted attitude of the government is, to be honest, disappointing.

"I call again on the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to take the action this country desperately needs. I live in hope."

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Werner said the federal government should provide charging infrastructure, emissions targets and tax incentives to encourage the take-up of EVs. Just 191 were sold in Australia in 2017.

He backed stamp duty relief and GST relief as immediate action that could be taken to encourage buyer interest in EVs.

"That all works in other countries so why not Australia?" he said.

He did acknowledge the "heartening" pro-elecrification stance of federal energy minister Josh Frydenberg who wrote an op-ed for the Fairfax press predicting one million EVs would be on Australian roads by 2030.

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"While these targets are extremely light compared to other countries targets, at least the government is thinking about the situation and the policy for lower emissions and we commend the minister's foresight," Werner said.

BMW currently has seven electrified vehicles in its local range.

Globally, the company has committed to having 25 low emission and electric vehicles in its line-up by 2025, including the autonomous-capable iNext EV in 2021 with a 700km range.

But Werner was clear that Australian policy on electrification would determine how many new generation EVs made it here.

"We need to see some action here or Australia will lag further behind."

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