The freight and transport industry are calling on the Australian Government to develop and implement a National Zero Emission Truck Strategy.
The Electric Vehicle Council, Australian Trucking Association, Heavy Vehicle Industry Association and the Australian Hydrogen Council have joined forces to advocate for government direction and support that goes beyond light vehicles, which are the focus of the government’s first National Electric Vehicle Strategy.
While the strategy and commitment to a fuel efficiency standard is a major step forward for Australia, the freight and transport industry believes trucks and logistics will be left in the slow lane to decarbonisation if the scope of government policy isn’t expanded.
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The freight and logistics transport sector contributes 38% of Australia’s transport emissions. While Australia has a legislated commitment to net zero emissions, there is no plan for reducing emissions from road freight transport.
The Australian trucking industry faces significant barriers to the adoption of zero-emission trucks, including vehicle design rules, lack of electric truck recharging and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, and a temporary but significant higher upfront cost.
They are calling on the government to:
- Develop a national zero emission truck strategy
- Sign the global memorandum of understanding on zero-emission trucks, to set clear climate ambition for medium and heavy vehicles
- Fix the regulatory barriers (i.e. width and axle mass limits) to zero emission trucks, to increase vehicle model supply
- Increase investment in electric recharging and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure for trucks
- Implement a purchase price incentive for zero emission trucks
- Fund and implement an upskilling and reskilling plan to ensure the preparedness of the workforce to transition to a zero-emission fleet.
Electric Vehicle Council CEO Behyad Jafari says, “Australia relies on trucks to function, but right now those trucks need imported oil to keep moving. We don’t need to be this vulnerable, because our truck fleet can run on renewable energy we make domestically.
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“We just need to get the policy settings right. With the EV and the trucking industry agreeing on these principles, the government can act swiftly.”
IKEA Australia backs the industry call for government to support the decarbonisation of the commercial logistics sector.
IKEA Australia zero emissions delivery lead Alexandra Kelly says, “Freight is a big part of Australia’s decarbonisation journey with unique challenges. It’s essential for this industry to have dedicated policy support that would enable retailers, vehicle manufacturers, transport service providers and owner-drivers to make the transition to zero-emissions delivery.”
