Behyad is CEO at the Electric Vehicle Council. He sees opportunities for Australia's transport sector in transitioning to zero emissions, better futures. "Not only do we have the raw minerals required for battery production, but the innovative entrepreneurs to realise opportunities for industry development and job creation right across the value chain," said Behyad Jafari.
Read more from our interview with Behyad below.
What is the Electric Vehicle Council?
The Electric Vehicle Council is the national body representing the electric vehicle industry in Australia. Representing companies involved in providing, powering and supporting electric vehicles, our mission is to accelerate the electrification of road transport for a sustainable and prosperous Australia.
Why is the Electric Vehicle Council taking climate action?
Transport is Australia’s second largest and fastest growing source of emissions. As our electricity system continues to decarbonise, the solution is simple, fuel our vehicles with renewable electricity. A move to EVs is not only good for the environment, but the health of our people and our economy. In Australia, more people die each from vehicle emissions than vehicle crashes. The transition to EVs has the more immediate impact of cleaner air, improving public health and reducing our dependence on imported oil.
What does climate action look like for the Electric Vehicle Council?
Developing, advocating for and supporting policies to transition Australia’s vehicle fleet to electric.
Is there something you are working on that you are excited about?
We are working with State and Territory governments across Australia to transition all public bus fleets to electric.
What opportunities are presented by taking climate action today?
The global transition to electric vehicles presents a massive opportunity for Australia. Not only do we have the raw minerals required for battery production, but the innovative entrepreneurs to realise opportunities for industry development and job creation right across the value chain.
Australian companies are already playing a massive role in the sector through charging, research and technology. Taking action on climate change looks to us like watering the green shoots of economic potential for Australia.
What climate action would you like to see Australia take?
I’m a big believer in setting strong and ambitious targets as a proven means to achieving goals. Australia should listen to the science and set emissions reduction goals that decarbonises our economy as soon as possible. From there, the goals and responsibilities of each sector can follow, including through a transition to an electric vehicle fleet.