The Shitfuckery blog

Ex-Premier Campbell Newman rants about Electric Vehicles but seemingly doesn’t read what he quotes

Michaelia campbell newman electric vehicles 1

# Why Campbell Newman is wrong about electric vehicles


Former Queensland Premier Campbell Newman recently wrote a post on X including a link to an article from the Daily Mail, claiming that electric vehicles (EVs) are “a disaster for the environment and the economy”. He also suggested that EVs would make Australia’s most popular ute, the Toyota HiLux, obsolete.

His #X post is here: https://x.com/CampbellNewman/status/1740890671991701629?s=20

However, Newman’s tweet shows a lack of understanding of the facts and benefits of EVs, as well as a selective reading of the article he linked to. In this post, we will debunk some of the myths and misinformation that Newman and other EV critics have spread, and show why EVs are actually a great choice for Australia’s future.


Here is the Shitfuckery reply to Newman’s post:

#CampbellNewman links to an article (in the Daily Mail no less, hahaha) but only reads the headline.

Now, you'd expect a man who once led the QLD state as Premier to be capable of reading a whole article, which we know he didn't, either that or he has very low comprehension abilities.

You see, just one paragraph in the article adds balance to his negativity and alarmism, and that is: "That would mean the Toyota HiLux, Australia's tradie favourite, would no longer be available
as a just a petrol or diesel" as JUST a petrol or diesel.

See that Cambie? Here you go Petals, this is how it works:

"Existing production models will be allowed to be sold until 2028 (Half a decade or so away), but would then be banned unless (UNLESS "UNLESS") the
#petrol or #diesel engines were replaced with modern versions that emitted less #carbon and pollutants." Here is how it works.

Once upon a time,
we all rode horses. Then Henry Ford made a car. In today's terms, THOSE cars called Model T fords, would be called SHITE, but we don't have them NOW because we grew up and made better ones. Vroom vroom!

See video here:
https://x.com/ShitFuckery1/status/1741071929015210231?s=20



Myth 1: EVs are worse for the environment than petrol or diesel cars
Newman’s tweet implies that EVs are more harmful to the environment than conventional cars, because they use batteries that require mining and disposal. However, this ignores the fact that EVs have zero tailpipe emissions, which means they do not contribute to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from driving. According to the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)1, EVs can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80% compared to petrol or diesel cars, depending on the source of electricity used to charge them.

Moreover, the environmental impact of EV batteries can be minimised by using recycled materials, renewable energy, and circular economy practices. For example, Audi has carbon-neutral plants in Brussels and Győr, and aims to make all its production plants carbon neutral by 2025. Polestar, a Swedish EV brand, has set a goal of creating a 100% climate-neutral car, the Polestar 0, by 2030, by eliminating all carbon emissions from its production process3. EV batteries can also be reused or recycled to extend their lifespan and reduce waste.

Myth 2: EVs are too expensive and impractical for Australian drivers
Newman’s tweet also suggests that EVs are not affordable or suitable for Australian drivers, especially those who rely on utes like the Toyota HiLux. However, this overlooks the fact that EVs have lower running and maintenance costs than petrol or diesel cars, as they do not require fuel, oil changes, or engine repairs. According to EDF4, EVs can save drivers up to £770 per year on fuel and maintenance costs in the UK, and similar savings can be expected in Australia.

Furthermore, EVs are becoming more diverse and competitive in terms of price, performance, and range. There are already several EV models available in Australia that cater to different needs and preferences, such as the Hyundai Kona Electric, the Tesla Model 3, and the MG ZS EV. More EV models are expected to enter the Australian market in the near future, including utes like the Rivian R1T, the Tesla Cybertruck, and the Ford F-150 Lightning. These EV utes will offer comparable or superior features to the Toyota HiLux, such as towing capacity, payload, and off-road capability, as well as the benefits of electric power.

Myth 3: EVs will hurt the Australian economy and energy security
Newman’s tweet also implies that EVs will have a negative impact on the Australian economy and energy security, by reducing the demand for petrol and diesel, and increasing the strain on the electricity grid. However, this ignores the fact that EVs can actually create new opportunities and benefits for the Australian economy and energy system, by stimulating innovation, investment, and jobs in the clean energy sector, and by enhancing the flexibility and resilience of the grid.

According to a report by Energeia, commissioned by ARENA, EVs could generate up to $2.9 billion in net economic benefits for Australia by 2030, and up to $7.6 billion by 2040, by reducing fuel imports, increasing electricity exports, and creating new industries and services. EVs could also support the integration of more renewable energy into the grid, by providing demand response, frequency control, and energy storage services, through smart charging and vehicle-to-grid technologies. EVs could also reduce the need for costly network upgrades, by shifting the peak demand from the evening to the night, when electricity is cheaper and cleaner.

Conclusion
In conclusion, Campbell Newman’s tweet about EVs is based on misinformation and bias, and does not reflect the reality and potential of EVs in Australia. EVs are not a disaster, but a solution, for the environment, the economy, and the drivers. EVs offer many advantages over petrol or diesel cars, such as lower emissions, lower costs, better performance, and more choice. EVs also offer opportunities and benefits for the Australian energy system, such as more renewable energy, more flexibility, and more security. EVs are not a threat, but an opportunity, for Australia’s future.

Sources and further reading:

Includes Campbell Newman’s desire to privatize state energy

5: Making the case for selling off Queensland’s power assets 6: What Campbell Newman did next: the making of an unlikely Queensland libertarian 7: Campbell Newman reaffirms commitment against sale of electricity assets this term 2: Electric Cars Pros and Cons - Advantages & Disadvantages of EVs 3: The top 5 reasons to consider an electric car 1: Electric vehicles - Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) 4: Benefits & Advantages of Driving Electric Cars : Electric Vehicle Grid Integration in Australia