Electric vehicles and their future have become a major subject of the pre-election campaign.
As debate rages, one report says a mass take-up of electric cars could improve the stability of the electricity grid - and decrease household power bills
Labor leader Bill Shorten has announced he wants half of all new cars to be electric by 2030: the current take-up sits at just point two of a per cent.
“So change is a part of life, and I just say to families and people listening, no one is going to make you give up your ute, no-one is going to confiscate it, but the idea we shouldn't be looking for more fuel efficient vehicles is silly”, said Mr Shorten.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says Labor's policy is unrealistic, out of touch, expensive and denies consumers choice.
“Taking the choices away from Australians of what car they even going to drive, what we are seeing from Labor is telling Australians how they should live their lives, what car they can drive, taking their money away from them in higher taxes and removing the choices”, said Mr Morrison.
Elections could be called within days
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Scott Morrison is edging closer to calling the federal election as Labor starts an advertising blitz spruiking its health and education policies.
The prime minister is expected within days to announce the federal poll, most likely to be held on May 18.
His Liberal-National coalition continues to lag behind Labor on a two-party preferred basis but senior government figures remain confident it can be clawed back.
Mr Morrison has framed the campaign around the government's job creation record and balancing the budget.
An Essential poll released on Tuesday found the coalition behind 48 per cent to 52 on the two-party preferred vote.
But it also found the federal budget was well-received, with 51 per cent of voters approving and 27 per cent disapproving.
