While Labor is focused on the road ahead, and what is happening elsewhere, Scott Morrison can't tear his eyes away from the rear view mirror.

He, and the other members of the LNP's fossil-fuel lobby, appear to be labouring under the delusion that because most motor vehicles have been powered by petrol or diesel for the past 100 years or so, it shall be ever thus.

History suggests this is a mistake. When cars first emerged onto public roads in numbers in the early 20^th century, they used a wide range of power sources. These included electricity, petrol and steam. Electric cars and lorries had been trialled in the 1830s. Electric cabs were a common sight on London and New York streets in the 1890s.

By 1900 America had 33,842 registered electric cars which made up 38 per cent of the national vehicle fleet. Steam accounted for 40 per cent. Petrol was in last place at just 22 per cent.

All of that changed when oceans of oil were discovered in America and under the desert sands of the Middle East at the same time technological advances eliminated many of the disadvantages that had made internal combustion less reliable, and more costly, than its competitors.

This conjunction of technological innovation with a series of fortunate events created a paradigm shift. We are in the midst of another such paradigm shift.

Emerging technologies, which have been developed in response to global environmental concerns, have made it possible for us to redefine how people and goods can be moved from one place to another with a maximum of efficiency and a minimum of cost and inconvenience.

Given the recent announcements by a number of key vehicle manufacturers, including Jaguar and Volvo, of their intention to make EVs their priority over the next five years, it may actually be difficult to buy a petrol or diesel powered car or SUV beyond 2030.

While concerns have been raised about the need to upgrade the power grid to cope with Labor's target these problems are not insurmountable. The technology already exists; it is simply a question of rolling it out.

Norway, which reached Labor's 50 per cent EV target in 2018, appears to be coping well. This was achieved through political leadership and attractive government incentives - something notably lacking so far in Australia.

The Coalition would be well advised to take some time out from its "Shorten's coming for your car keys hysteria" and take a closer look at how public opinion in this country is shifting in favour of renewables. Change is coming at a global level, and Labor's current targets may well appear conservative by the time 2030 arrives. Many of the issues such as lack of charging facilities will decrease over time.

Complaints about wind farms, for example, are now at record lows. This has been taken to indicate rising levels of public acceptance.

It's not that long ago the conservatives were caught out well behind prevailing community views on same-sex marriage rights.

They appear determined to repeat the same mistakes in the renewables and electric-vehicle debate.