Coalition accused of wasting 18 months on 'nothing' electric vehicle strategy

Critics say incredibly disappointing' discussion paper contains no proposals to make EVs cheaper and reduces choices for Australian consumers

The Australian government has been accused of working for 18 months on a nothing" electric vehicle strategy after a leaked draft policy paper included no policies that would make it more affordable to buy clean cars.

A discussion paper, first reported by the ABC and seen by Guardian Australia, does not propose direct financial help to encourage people to buy electric vehicles (EVs) or a phase-out date for the sale of new fossil fuel cars, as is planned in some countries including Britain, Japan and Norway.