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Daily Telegraph
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Telegraph
Aussies explode over Albo's latest cash grab
Don't miss out on the headlines from Motoring. Followed categories will be added to My News. Earlier this week, we published a story about the Federal Government's intention to introduce a road user charge (RUC) for electric vehicle (EV) owners. A per-kilometre tax to replace the fuel excise revenue lost as more Australians switch to electric vehicles. The proposal encouraged more than 2000 readers to comment. What followed was a passionate public policy debate, part stand-up comedy and a masterclass in Australian scepticism. RELATED: Carmaker's fury over Albo's new road tax Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers has long flagged the development of a new road-user charge across Australia for drivers of electric vehicles to ensure EV drivers are contributing a fair share to road upgrades. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman While the conversation is divided, a large majority of readers believe EV drivers should contribute to road maintenance. But many also say the policy must be fair, transparent and apply equally across all vehicle types. 'Tax the trucks, not the Teslas,' one reader wrote, summing up a sentiment that hundreds of readers agreed with. Another, HelpMeOverHere, accused the government of double standards: 'A mining truck the size of a suburban street guzzles thousands of litres a week and gets all the fuel tax refunded.' The 'free ride' is over Many of our readers argue it's simply time for EV owners to pay their way. They believe that EV owners are currently getting a 'free ride' by avoiding the fuel excise, which raises more than $15 billion annually. 'There is not one solitary argument that supports the notion that EV drivers should be able to use the roads and not contribute to their upkeep. Not one,' nonedeplume said. RELATED: New EV tax makes no sense Heavy vehicles cause heavy road damage. Stephen argued: 'EV manufacturers are upset that the free ride is coming to an end and the EV drivers will have to pay to use the road like everyone else.' But others saw it less as fairness, more as the government's latest 'gotcha' tax. 'It's always the proletariat that has to pay for incompetent government,' Walker Texas Ranger said. 'Just another tax to prevent us from moving up in the world.' Some readers proposed replacing the fuel excise entirely with a universal RUC. 'Why don't we scrap the fuel excise and then just apply a RUC to all road users - that would then be fair to ALL road users regardless of what type of fuel (petrol, diesel, EV, hybrid),' Gaynor said. The trucking elephant in the room A big chunk of outrage was over Australia's heavy freight industry. Many said heavy vehicles are the 'culprits' and should pay more, given their impact on infrastructure. Fair enough. RELATED: What new Albo road tax would mean for you EV owners fear a new road tax will hit them harder than fuel guzzlers. Picture: AFP Infrastructure Australia data shows that one five-axle truck causes the same road wear as 2900 cars. The actual ratio varies depending on factors like axle weight and road construction, but a truck's damage is often cited as being much higher than 2900. Currently, heavy vehicles pay a RUC of 32.4 cents per litre, set to rise 6 per cent annually until 2025-2026. They also pay the federal fuel excise, now around 51-52 cents per litre - but operators can claim back the difference through fuel tax credits, reducing their net cost by about 20 cents per litre. 'Trucks are the issue,' Grande_choice said. 'All those regional roads are getting slammed by trucks but not EVs.' Aussie drivers are split over who should really pay the price. Picture NCA Newswire / Gaye Gerard Rural drivers fear being slugged harder Polestar Australia's managing director Scott Maynard said a one-size-fits-all approach could unfairly hit regional drivers who travel long distances for essential services. According to Australians tend to drive longer distances for essentials and often live further out because property is more affordable. 'People in regional areas generally are poorer and drive more distances to get from A to B,' BobtheBuilder said. 'Hence why the CEO (Scott Maynard) makes the point that they will be discriminated against.' Reader Vicki agreed: 'I'm rural and 75km from my nearest town, doctor, supermarket…city EV owners with public transport will cost them nothing, and rural/regional drivers big money. When the policy debate turned into a comedy set In between the policy arguments came some memorable one-liners that had me chuckling hard. 'If it can't be eaten or plucked, it will be taxed.' 'The word of the day is fungible.' 'I'm just going to wait until a hamster-powered car comes out.' 'How about we bring in a tax on breathing?' Another day, another tax for Albo?. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short The green glow-up….or greenwash? Some readers went straight for the environmental jugular. 'It's time the idealists wake up to the fact that electric cars aren't better for the environment…they will never pay off the carbon footprint cost of making the batteries,' Mark wrote. But Adam added, 'battery disposal facilities are already at 90+ per cent recyclability…the 'cut even' point for emissions is approx 37,000km.' Trusting the government…like trusting a cheating ex Underlying much of the conversation was the distrust of the government. Even commenters who back the idea of EVs paying said they didn't trust Canberra to use the money for roads. 'For FY23-24 the fuel excise raised $15b while [the] government only spent $10bn on roads,' Bryn wrote. 'When is it enough?' 'It's just revenue raising,' Jeff said. 'Once they have you hooked, they tax you.' The road ahead So the consensus? Most readers agree that EV drivers should pay and contribute. But it's simple, they want it to be fair. If the government can deliver that, they might just win people over. But if not, they'll be left with a few angry Australians. Originally published as Aussies explode over Albo's latest cash grab
The Australian
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Australian
Lamborghini issues urgent Revuelto recall over door fault
Lamborghini has recalled its new flagship Revuelto supercar due to fears its doors could unexpectedly slam down on occupants, posing a risk of severe injury. The recall states that pins supporting the iconic Revuelto doors may fail, potentially causing them to drop unexpectedly onto passengers or become difficult to open. MORE: Carmaker's fury over Albo's new road tax Lamborghini has recalled its new flagship Revuelto supercar. MORE: Ballistic new supercar exposed According to the recall notice, Lamborghini Revuelto vehicles manufactured between 2023 and 2024 are affected. The supercar retails for more than $1m. The notice, submitted to the Australian Department of Infrastructure, states that 'the pin supporting the door gas springs may not have been assembled according to manufacturing specifications, which could cause it to become loose or detach.' 'If this occurs when in the open position, the door may descend downwards with significant force on the driver or passenger. 'Additionally, excess force may be required to open the door from the inside of the vehicle, and the occupant may need extra time to exit the vehicle. 'In the event of an emergency, if the occupant is unable to exit the vehicle quickly and/or if the door descends with force on the driver or passenger, it will increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.' According to the recall notice, Lamborghini Revuelto vehicles manufactured between 2023 and 2024 are affected. The supercar retails for more than $1m. MORE: 'Fearless' supercar stuns with speed Automobili Lamborghini says it will notify all affected owners. Affected owners are instructed to arrange an appointment with an authorised Lamborghini dealer to inspect the tightening of the door gas spring pins. A free fix will be provided. James Chung Digital Content Creator James is a Digital Content Creator at and is part of the News Corp Australia's digital real estate team. His previous experience includes working for Sky News Australia.
CNA
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- CNA
Stellantis discontinues hydrogen fuel cell technology development programme
Carmaker Stellantis said on Wednesday it would discontinue its hydrogen fuel cell technology development programme and cancel the planned launch of hydrogen vehicles. Employees at Stellantis production sites will not be impacted by the decision, it said.
NDTV
02-05-2025
- Automotive
- NDTV
Hyundai Creta Tops Chart For April'25 Sales With 17,016 SUVs Sold
With Indians drooling over SUVs with a head-over-heels attitude, the Hyundai Creta has once again emerged as the highest-selling model in the Indian Automobile industry for the second consecutive month. The Hyundai Creta recorded sales of 17,016 units in April 2025, with a year-on-year growth of 10.2% (compared to April 2024). The SUV also maintained its leadership as India's best-selling SUV from January - April 2025, with a cumulative sale of 69,914 units. The chartbusting performance of Creta has helped SUV contribution to HMIL's domestic sales to all time high of 70.9% in April 2025. This underscores the growing consumer preference for Hyundai's SUV lineup, led by Creta and well supported by other models like Venue, Exter, Alcazar and Tucson. Also Read - New Honda Amaze Of No Help! Carmaker Reports 55 Pc YoY Sales Drop In April'25 Commenting on the milestone, Mr. Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India Limited, said: "Hyundai Creta's continued dominance in the Indian market is a reflection of the trust and love that Indian customers have placed in the brand. Being the best-selling car across all segments for two months in a row and the top-selling SUV in the industry for the first four months of 2025 cumulatively is a proud achievement for all of us at HMIL." He added, "Hyundai Creta represents our unrelenting pursuit of excellence, offering customers a perfect blend of style, safety, innovation and performance. The addition of the electric powertrain has further strengthened the brand Creta and it is now not just a leader in the SUV segment, but also a key enabler in India's electric mobility journey".
