Plans to expand Australian production of no-emission electric cars are high on the agenda, according to a recent Government Report. The Rudd Government is set to collaborate with the Victorian Government to map local automotive trends leading up to 2020. It is forecasted that from 2012 onwards, the sale and manufacture of electric cars will rapidly increase.

The Report also concedes that “through advanced green car initiatives with global export potential, Australia can become…. (a) leading designer and producer of competitive…powerful, zero-emission passenger vehicles.” This shift offers a fundamental opportunity for changes in strategy and forecasts; however emerging economies with large automotive industries are set to become rapidly competitive.

In November 2008, the Federal Government revealed its $6.2 billion car industry package, aimed at subsidizing production of vehicles for the decade. Inclusive of this was a $1.3 billion green car fund; provisioning $1 to every $3 manufacturers spend developing eco-friendly vehicles. So far, no major Australian manufacturers have asked for the subsidy to develop a fully electric vehicle.

Recently however, Toyota accepted $35 million to build the hybrid Camry for 2010, however this vehicle does still emit carbon and incorporates some petrol. Rechargeable Mini cars are set to be produced in the UK in 2011, while Nissan intends to sell zero-emission cars in the US from mid-2010.