Michael McLaren has been left questioning whether the “eco-warriors” will look back in regret as the government rules out a return to the fuel excise in hopes that more Australians switch to EVs.

He points out the government has relied on the cheap, China-made electric vehicles to realise its climate goals, despite a multitude of issues long raised by security experts.

“They come with plenty of warnings attached – especially in regard to the driver’s privacy, national security and data harvesting,” he said.

“The sensible people know there is, at least, the potential for a hidden cost – and it’s measured not in dollars but in national security and sovereignty,” he added.

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