Seven in ten Australian drivers have changed their driving habits in response to skyrocketing fuel prices, according to new national polling commissioned by the Climate Council.

Just over half (54 per cent) of Australians feel that fuel efficiency standards would save them money. A similar number (49 per cent) support the Federal Government introducing these standards. 

The national survey of 1,150 Australians found 71 per cent are taking steps to cut their driving expenses amid soaring fuel costs, like driving less day to day, avoiding taking holidays using their car, cutting back on vehicle servicing and maintenance, and considering switching to an electric vehicle.

Climate Council head of advocacy, Dr Jennifer Rayner, said: “Many Australians are doing it tough right now, but they can see there are solutions. Strong fuel efficiency standards will mean less money drained by the petrol bowser, and better access to cleaner, cheaper-to-run cars. 

“We can’t keep idling at the starting line. The Federal Government needs to put the pedal to the metal in delivering what they’ve promised – strong fuel efficiency standards to give drivers more choice of cleaner cars that are cheaper to run.

“Every day we delay putting a fuel efficiency standard in place, Aussies are missing out on the three-in-one benefits of cheaper costs, cleaner air, and greater choice.”

A recent consumer benefit analysis commissioned by the Climate Council and Electric Vehicle Council reveals Australians could individually save up to $1,200 per year, and up to $10,000 over the vehicle’s lifetime, on running costs with strong fuel efficiency standards. Introducing standards aligned with what the European Union has in place would also save regional motorists $4 billion in fuel costs over five years. 

Climate Councillor and energy expert, Greg Bourne, said: “New cars sold in Australia use around 20 per cent more fuel than those sold in the USA. This is collectively costing us billions. 

“Aussie drivers who have long commutes from our suburbs and regions are the most affected by high and rising petrol bills. This means they’ll also see the biggest benefits from getting access to a wider range of affordable lower and zero emissions vehicles that are cheaper to run.

“Australians, especially those in our suburbs and regions, deserve access to the same affordable, clean and safe cars that are already being sold in their millions overseas. A strong fuel efficiency standard can help deliver this.”

According to the Climate Council, the Australian Government can help unlock these benefits by delivering fuel efficiency standards that:

• Set Australia on a strong pathway to a zero emissions fleet – with the aim of all new vehicles sold being zero emissions by 2035 at the latest.  
• Align with other car markets like the UK, the US and Europe as a minimum – so Australia moves up the queue for cleaner, cheaper vehicles.
• Deliver genuine reductions in emissions from new cars sold in Australia – avoiding credits and loopholes that undermine their effectiveness.   
• Are mandatory and legislated – auto manufacturers shouldn’t be able to opt out.
• Start as soon as possible – every new vehicle sold today will likely be on the road for at least the next 10 years, so do not delay.

Get local, national and world news, plus sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Canberra Daily newsletter. Sign up here.