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Australia's EV Standards: Major Fines Loom for Automakers

2/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Albanese government's vehicle efficiency standard could impose penalties on Mazda (about $25 million), Nissan (over $10 million), and Subaru ($7 million) for missing targets.
The standard shows 68% of companies exceeded targets, while 19 firms, including Hyundai and General Motors, fell short.
The Electric Vehicle Council praised the standard, but officials warn ongoing concerns about Australia’s EV uptake and climate goals, especially if clean-car tax exemptions are removed.

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Story summary

The Albanese government's vehicle efficiency standard could impose penalties on Mazda (about $25 million), Nissan (over $10 million), and Subaru ($7 million) for missing targets.
The standard shows 68% of companies exceeded targets, while 19 firms, including Hyundai and General Motors, fell short.
The Electric Vehicle Council praised the standard, but officials warn ongoing concerns about Australia’s EV uptake and climate goals, especially if clean-car tax exemptions are removed.