Road transport creates almost 12% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Most of these emissions come from the fossil fuels burned to power vehicles. Low and zero emission vehicles – such as hybrids and electric vehicles (EVs) – have the potential to minimise road travel’s environmental impacts. More EVs on the road also means less air and noise pollution.
For all these reasons, we are EV advocates. We also support other initiatives that contribute to road-transport emission reductions, including eco-driving and more efficient road design and operations.
Why are some countries dragging their wheels on EV adoption?
Our Transurban Insights: Electric Vehicles reports digs into this issue.
Making EV ownership easier
Have you ruled EVs out as too expensive or not practical for your needs? We have good news – EVs are becoming more affordable, and second-hand EV markets are also opening up. Plus, more diverse makes and models are arriving in Australia, including utes and SUVs. And if talk of limited charging infrastructure has put you off, there’s good news on that front, too – investment in EV charging infrastructure is increasing and the number of chargers around the country growing, fast.
Transurban’s new EVs for Everyone program is about helping connect people with more affordable EV options.
Our first EVs for Everyone Drive Day, held in Sydney, gave people the chance to test drive an EV, and talk to experts on everything EV. Watch this space for future EV events and opportunities.
Learning eco-driving techniques can cut your fuel use by around 5% (based on Transurban research) and can also reduce vehicle wear-and-tear. Eco-driving techniques are easy to apply, can be used in all vehicle types, and cost you nothing to learn.
Transurban’s 2024 research into EV ownership showed many Australians are keen to make the switch to EVs. Our survey found just over 40% of people in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland say they’d their next car to be an EV, motivated by their environmental benefits, and because these vehicles cost less to run and require less maintenance.
Trialling new vehicle technology
We’ve trialled all kinds of connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) on our motorways – both to investigate this new technology and to identify issues and opportunities specific to our road infrastructure.
So far we’ve tested: a highly automated truck; partially automated vehicles already on the road today; highly automated vehicles and remote operations; connected vehicle communications (platooning); and automation of vehicles for specific road operations/maintenance tasks.
Learn more about Connected and automated vehicle trials
