Ms BYRNES (Cunningham) (12:50): The people of the Illawarra know renewable energy is the future. It's cheaper and it's cleaner, and the same is true for electric vehicles. They drive down emissions, and they save thousands of dollars in petrol costs over the life of the car. Thanks to the Albanese Labor Government, electric vehicles are becoming more affordable, driving a huge surge in EV purchases. It is absolutely clear that the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard is working. More EVs and low-emissions vehicles are entering the market than ever before. This standard helped bring Australia into line with the rest of the world, making Australia a new target market for more electric vehicle manufacturers. Our tax-saving initiatives for EVs have also encouraged more people to purchase low-emissions vehicles by reducing upfront costs. The statutory review of the Electric Car Discount showed that, thanks to our policies, there are now more models to choose from at a greater range of prices, making EVs more affordable and accessible to everyday Australians. Treasury estimates almost 100,000 vehicles have benefited from the Fringe Benefit Tax exemption. We know that in May this year there was an EV purchased every two minutes. That's compared to every 45 minutes four years ago, a truly incredible uptake. In the Wollongong Local Government Area, there are more than 11,000 registered hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles.
These figures are not by accident; they are the result of a government that has put the right policy settings in place to allow more electric vehicles to enter our market—a choice for consumers and more affordable prices. In fact, our policies have been so successful at delivering a market with more choice that we've refocused the Fringe Benefits Tax exemption to EVs that cost under $75,000. This is not something we could have done three years ago, because there simply were not enough vehicles available in that price range. Now there are. At the same time, we're helping more local people charge their cars at home for free, thanks to more than 2,500 cheaper home batteries across the Cunningham electorate. From 1 July, our Solar Sharer Offer will see all households provided with three hours of free power every day—extremely handy for charging up electric vehicles for free.
Australians are embracing cleaner and cheaper forms of power for their homes, for their businesses and for their cars. Across the Illawarra, we've got an ever-increasing supply of fast chargers, including two on public lands, thanks to Wollongong City Council and the NRMA. Council has also recently installed a range of kerbside chargers mounted on power poles in Wollongong, Thirroul and Austinmer. Installed in partnership with EVX Australia and Endeavour Energy, these chargers are powered by 100 per cent renewable energy, helping electric vehicle owners charge up on the go. I was pleased to also spot some EV charging stations at the new social and affordable apartment block that the Housing Trust opened in the heart of Wollongong just last week at Warruya. Supported by the Housing Australia Future Fund, NSW Government and council funding, these charging stations will help families in need to reduce their petrol costs with cheaper, cleaner electric vehicles. It's really great to see, and I'd like to congratulate the Housing Trust for this important inclusion.
In the Illawarra, we are not just adopting this technology; we are helping to drive the innovation behind it. As we shift to a clean energy future and we electrify more of our technology, having the battery power to back it up is absolutely crucial. Sicona Battery Technologies is pioneering the next generation of battery materials and creating a sovereign battery supply chain. Their innovative technology, created in the Illawarra, can reduce battery charging times by 40 per cent, which is simply incredible. Their technology is compatible with existing global manufacturing infrastructure, it improves the performance of lithium ion batteries, it's cost effective, and it's scalable. These are batteries that will power the electric vehicles of the future. They will be essential for clean energy storage, and they were founded in the Illawarra. Sicona is a vital part of our local, innovative, advanced manufacturing industry, supporting local jobs and contributing to the Future Made in Australia—and in the Illawarra.
It is our government that has delivered the right policy settings to unlock a future where electric vehicles are within reach for more Australians. Cheaper. Cleaner. Bringing down costs. Bringing down emissions. Delivered by the Albanese Labor government.
