Ideology not enough to convince buyers on merits of EV

There’s no doubt that the federal government’s climate and energy policy is aimed at disciples of climate change rather than addressing reality and all Australians.

This is one of the reasons Labor’s emissions target is faltering badly (“Bowen’s net zero to 100 car wreck”, 21/3).

One of the many components of achieving the target is emissions from motor vehicles.

Unfortunately for the government, people’s choices can’t be legislated or be the subject of arbitrary targets that are aimed, in part, at appeasing pressure groups. Australians will come to the climate action trough when they buy all of the arguments. It’s clear that most are not convinced.

So far as motor vehicles are concerned, the technology is relatively new, the long-term performance of and costs associated with electric vehicles are untested and people are sceptical. Apart from that, motorists like their petrol, gas or diesel cars that they can take on a long interstate trip in the knowledge that fuel will be readily available.

People will not just swallow ideology and when Anthony Albanese and his Energy Minister, Chris Bowen, acknowledge that and begin behaving accordingly, everyone will be better off. At the moment, they’re running on a flat battery.

Tim Sauer, Brighton East, Vic

Greg Brown’s article on the relatively slow market for electric vehicles in Australia goes a long way in explaining the problems we face in introducing renewable energy in this country.

We live on a relatively large continent with a relatively small population. Despite the introduction of fast chargers, it still takes a longer time to recharge a vehicle battery than to refill a petrol-driven car and as long as that option remains available the market for electric vehicles will remain slow.

As with most issues relating to a power source conversion, Australia, more than most other countries, is faced with a far more complex population distribution, which will always pose a difficult problem to overcome.

It would appear that Bowen has yet to fully address this issue.

Simon Gamble, Noosa Heads, Qld

During the past few years, many have written about the benefits of renewables, including solar panels, at home.

To be a true climate activist, you need to do the following: buy the biggest private jet to travel around in; buy as many shares as you can to control energy companies; and sponsor individuals to form a Clayton’s independent parliamentary group – and when the sun does not shine and the wind does not blow, use the gas and coal energy provided.

Elizabeth Pilkington, Keysborough, Vic

It’s true that you can’t make people buy electric vehicles, but as prices continue to fall an increasing number will realise the savings to be made by doing so.

Since purchasing my own EV a year ago I have paid a total of $1.87 when driving around Sydney. That’s because I have solar panels on my roof and can charge the car without resorting to the grid.

But even if I didn’t have these, the cost of charging is still way below that of petrol.

And the number of charge points is increasing every week. There is one just around the corner from me now, and it’s used regularly. Things are changing fast, and so will people’s buying habits.

Ken Enderby, Concord, NSW

If Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen did an internet search on how long Japan or China takes to build a nuclear reactor, the answer may be five to six years. This option means our forests can stay uncut, sea lanes unclogged and agricultural land untouched by turbines or solar panels. Interestingly, at about $5bn to $6bn, it’s about the same amount of expense the Prime Minister announces every day on the campaign trail, so we will hardly notice the cost.

Paul Haege, Darling Point, NSW

Unless the price of energy comes down, we’re doomed to declining living standards and health for years to come.

Peter Dutton needs to make a strong policy statement on nuclear energy to differentiate the LNP from Labor, Greens and teals, and to turn the upcoming election into a referendum on nuclear power stations, which will ensure the country’s future energy needs and prosperity.

Kon Parris, Albury, NSW