Between April 19 and May 31, 2023, the Australian federal government received a remarkable 2700 responses to the proposed implementation of a Fuel Efficiency Standard (FES) from a diverse range of sectors, including the vehicle industry, climate groups, consumers, think tanks, unions, regional Australians, and individuals. Continue reading Who is for and against the fuel efficiency standard including credits for low-GWP refrigerants?
Despite Australia generally enjoying good urban air quality, certain cities are exceeding the goals set by The National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure for fine particles and ozone. Experts have identified the escalating threat of unregulated non-road diesel emissions used in construction machinery as a significant contributing factor to this issue. Continue reading Non-road engines: The next clean air battleground
Volvo Trucks Australia has announced a new partnership with waste management contractor JJ’s Waste and Recycling for a trial of the Volvo FE Electric truck in waste operations. Continue reading Queensland electric garbage truck trial
Heart Aerospace has announced a collaboration with BAE Systems to develop new batteries for the Swedish electric aircraft manufacturer’s ES-30 aeroplane. Continue reading Electric planes keep on getting bigger
Results from the 2022-2023 motor vehicle refrigerant survey are in, suggesting a bit of a bounce-back for hydrocarbon refrigerant usage – although participation in the survey was higher with 548 vehicles analysed compared with 500 last year. Continue reading HC bounceback detected in 2022-2023 vehicle refrigerant survey
Brett Meads (2022-present) As VASA celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, it’s quite an interesting exercise to reflect on just how much change our industry has undergone, and how those changes have influenced the professionalism of those working on the humble motor car. While 1993 saw the official birth of VASA as an industry association, … Continue reading VASA presidents reflect on the association’s first 30 years
Australia faces a growing challenge with the increasing number of used electric vehicle (EV) batteries entering the waste stream. Continue reading Call for urgent action on EV battery waste stewardship
A recent report by InfluenceMap, a global think tank focused on climate policy, has accused the efforts of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) of lobbying to weaken Australia’s vehicle emission standards and hinder the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). The report, titled “The FCAI and Australian Climate Policy,” relies on over 500 pages … Continue reading FCAI accused of applying EV handbrake
Mazda has made a return to the production of rotary engines after an 11-year hiatus – but it’s not for a successor to the RX-8 sportscar. Continue reading Return of the rotary engine – with a twist
Recent findings from a study by US-based battery and range analytics company Recurrent have shed light on the impact of extreme heat waves on the range of electric vehicles. Continue reading Heatwaves have big effect on EV battery range
