The NTC’s long-term tracking of vehicle emissions intensity highlights encouraging momentum. Vehicles first registered in 2023 and 2024 delivered some of the strongest year-on-year emissions reductions in more than two decades, driven by increased uptake of electric and hybrid vehicles and improvements in conventional powertrains.

However, when compared internationally, Australia’s starting point remains higher. Average new passenger vehicles sold locally emit around 35 per cent more CO₂ than equivalent vehicles sold in Europe. This gap reflects a mix of vehicle choice, slower historic uptake of electrified powertrains, and a market that has long favoured larger, heavier vehicles.

Australia still lags global leaders on vehicle emissions – Fleet EV News