Fleurieu homeowners have among the highest takeup of rooftop solar in the country, which makes them well placed to have a say on the national electric vehicle strategy.

The federal government wants people to help shape the future of transport in Australia.

It says the nation is significantly behind when it comes to electric vehicles - only two per cent of new vehicle sales are EVs and uptake of new low-emissions vehicles is nearly five times lower than the global average.

Consultation is now open to shape Australia’s first National Electric Vehicle Strategy, designed to improve the affordability, supply and uptake of electric vehicles to, "ensure Australian households and businesses reap the benefits of transport that is fit for the 21st century".

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen says transport is Australia’s second largest source of national emissions and reducing emissions by boosting EV uptake will be critical to Australia reaching net zero by 2050.

“At the heart of the national strategy will be a plan to improve affordability and choice for consumers by growing the Australian EV market,” he says.

“This is a genuine consultation to inform the right policy settings so we can see more affordable electric vehicles on our roads.”

“Right now, Australians miss out on a wider choice of affordable EVs because of our policy settings are outdated. It's time for Australians to get a fair go when they're deciding on their next car.”

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King says the consultation will ensure people are heard to make EVs more accessible to Australians.

“Part of the consultation is about the Government seeking stakeholder views on vehicle fuel efficiency standards, including their application, design and implementation."

“Our cars are less fuel efficient on average than Europe and the US. Now is the time for Australia to join the rest of the world and electrify our road transport.”

The consultation paper is available online and submissions can be made from until 31 October.