Some hybrid cars thirstier than their petrol peers
On-road vehicle tests show some hybrid vehicles are not saving as much petrol as lab tests promise and a two use more than standard cars on highways.
transport
Electric cars to rev up the energy grid, one at a time
Technology that will let drivers use their electric vehicles as giant household batteries is launching in Australia, although its reach is limited.
Car sales accelerate, with hybrids leading the charge
More drivers are getting behind the wheel of a new car but preferences are changing, with hybrids speeding up and petrol cars slowing down.
Will Tesla’s problems crash Australia’s electric dream?
The brand that has long led Australia's electric vehicle charge is falling out of favour. Can the nation's move to low-emission transport go on regardless?
U-turn on gas-guzzler fines could penalise motorists
Carmakers who fail to meet environmental standards will not be penalised under proposed changes expected during the election campaign.
Hitting the brakes: hybrid sales clouded by tax cut end
A tax concession for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles has come to the end of the road and experts say it could affect future car sales and emissions.
Dutton’s airport link plan branded ‘April Fools’ joke’
A federal coalition plan to "redirect" funding for a controversial Melbourne rail loop project to an airport link has been slammed by state Labor.
Safety over politics: motoring groups call for change
Australia's peak motoring body will encourage its 9.5 million members to challenge federal election candidates on road safety, amid calls for more transparency.
Aussie invention may cut the cost of self-driving cars
A single camera powered by artificial intelligence software could help drive future autonomous cars, slashing thousands of dollars from their production cost.
UK government orders probe into Heathrow shutdown
The UK government has ordered an investigation into the country's energy resilience after an electrical substation fire shut Heathrow Airport for almost a day.
Tesla Cybertruck named the hero of motor show comeback
It is large, futuristic and not ready to drive on Australian roads but Tesla's Cybertruck will be the centrepiece of the first Melbourne motor show in 15 years.
Aussie road rules are not ready for self-driving cars
Road rules will need to be changed before autonomous vehicles become more common, or lawsuits could follow.
Why electric cars can be uncommonly useful in cyclones
As Queenslanders prepared for a tropical cyclone, an Australian electric car company raced to fulfil an influx of orders to keep lights and fridges working.
Falling fuel costs end run of transport price rises
High transport costs have been hurting household budgets, but there are signs of relief after months of rising prices.
New vehicle sales stuck in slow lane, even popular SUVs
Hybrids are among few vehicles to withstand a continuing slowdown in new vehicles sales, with one model racing into the top ten.
‘Ferry fiasco’: Spirit of Tasmania lease move abandoned
A new Spirit of Tasmania ferry is set to leave Scotland bound for the Apple Isle after the state government pulled the plug on lease negotiations.
Plug-in hybrid car tax breaks about to hit the skids
Drivers have one month left to claim a tax break on plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, amid calls for Labor to give the fuel-saving cars more support.
Airport demonstration to show hydrogen option will fly
An Australian start-up has installed a renewable hydrogen generator and storage system at an airport in a bid to overcome barriers to adopting the clean energy.
Lower costs, better value as airlines deal takes flight
A deal between Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia could strengthen competition and improve flight capacity in a '"major win" for passengers.
No more myki: passengers set for ticketless travel
Victorians are set to get ticketless public transport travel, with train passengers soon able to tap on and off with bank cards and their phones.
More flights on horizon as airline deal set to take off
Passengers could benefit from more choice and improved convenience as the consumer watchdog provides a green light for a Virgin-Qatar Airways alliance.
State at war with watchdog over $11.7b budget blowout
The Victorian government is questioning the integrity of the financial watchdog in a bid to dismiss billions of dollars in updated major project cost figures.
No more train delays as union action ordered to stop
A stoush that has crippled rail services for months has temporarily ended as passengers look forward to getting back on track with trains on time.
Big changes needed to connect cars to the power grid
Most Australians want to turn their electric vehicle into a battery on wheels in future but there are still speed bumps to making the technology work.
Sneak strike ‘gaslights’ commuters on Valentine’s Day
Authorities are blaming a "sneak strike" for the cancellation or delay of more than 1200 train services amid union claims workers were locked out.
Train delays ahead as workers win right to action
A rail union has won a decisive victory at the Fair Work Commission to engage in industrial action, spelling more delays and cancellations for NSW commuters.
Price and policy changes redirect Uber’s electric drive
Australian ride-share drivers could be about to lose a long-time electric vehicle discount but gain another as Uber adapts to market changes.
‘Governments shouldn’t own airlines’: Rex rescue panned
A possible government takeover of failed airline Rex has come under fire, with the sector declaring a taxpayer lifeline would create an uneven playing field.
Small cars show a big thirst for petrol in road tests
Three popular small cars, including a hybrid model, are among the latest vehicles found using more fuel than expected in Australian road tests.
Kerbside charging boost to curb electric car concerns
Hundreds of electric vehicle chargers will be installed on power poles across three states in a bid to remove concerns about swapping to next-gen transport.
Tesla slump and falling prices set to change EV market
Lower prices, more competition, and a market leader's fall in popularity could prove a tipping point for sales of electric vehicles in Australia.