Labor’s Electric Vehicle dream will cost Mallee farmers and tradies looking for their next work ute, Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster says.

The world’s top selling electric ute, the Ford F-150 Lightning, is now available in Australia from an eye watering $224,990. Meanwhile the price of popular models such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux will rise by thousands of dollars as the Government hits manufacturers with their New Vehicle Efficiency Standard.

“Energy Minister Chris Bowen has driven the new Ford F-150 Lightening electric ute grandstanding about its efficiencies, but in whose world is it a viable choice during Labor’s cost-of-living crisis?” Dr Webster said.

“Mallee families driving their SUV to school or to sports training are doing it tough, wondering how they are going to pay their next bill, meanwhile Labor is content for them to pay more though the Family Car and Ute Tax or pay a fortune for an Electric Vehicle. EVs do not cut the mustard in regional Australia with insufficient infrastructure and driving range.”

“Utes are designed to carry load and trailers, but put a trailer with tools of the trade in there and suddenly the limitations are clear: less distance and less load capacity.”

Dr Webster will speak on Labor’s NVES Bill when parliament resumes next month after meeting with car dealers across Mallee who have repeatedly raised their concerns about Labor’s plans.

“Mallee dealers understand their customers’ needs and that EVs are not yet fit-for-purpose in regional Australia. Labor is forcing the cost of their CBD-centric policy to be passed down the line to Mallee budgets,” Dr Webster said.

“Labor’s NVES could drive manufacturers out of the Australian market, further depleting choice in vehicle options.”

Dr Webster said Minister Bowen was repeatedly being shown to be out of his depth as Labor yet again rushes through policies like NVES in their reckless race to political and ideological targets, robbing the regions to buy votes in inner cities.

“While Mallee dealers and the Nationals are united in supporting an efficiency standard, it must be rolled out in a sensible timeframe,” Dr Webster said.

“Labor’s NVES will add up to $25,000 to the cost of cars that Australians love to drive and is completely inappropriate during a cost-of-living crisis which Labor is failing to address.”