Mazda Calls for Different EV Incentives in Australia: ‘Options Are Not the Issue’
Electric vehicle adoption in Australia needs to move beyond the NVES fines-based approach, according to Mazda Australia boss, Vinesh Bhindi. Speaking to Drive, Bhindi argued that while there’s enough choice in the EV market, other barriers to adoption need addressing.
"There are some other barriers, and I do understand consumers will take time to move towards that, but I would encourage the regulators to think about how to drive that demand and support the consumer," he said. "One of the proactive things… is the battery subsidy… But I think there has to be more and different initiatives to drive that demand."
Bhindi suggested that the current FBT incentives for EVs should be maintained or repackaged, rather than eliminated entirely. He also highlighted the need for consistent charging infrastructure support and for car manufacturers to offer initiatives beyond fines-based approaches.
He holds a leadership position within the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), a lobby group representing major automakers including Toyota, Honda, BMW, BYD, Ford, among others. The NVES, introduced last year, sets fleet emissions caps for car brands, with fines issued for exceeding them.
Mazda Australia has accrued around $25 in NVES-related fines since the start of enforcement on 1 July, 2025 until the beginning of 2026.