The Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) has applauded today’s decision of federal, state and territory Treasurers to commit to heavy vehicle reforms designed to unlock more electric freight vehicles – Australia’s biggest unseized economic opportunity.

Heavy Vehicle Productivity Reform

Treasurers meeting today agreed to a package of heavy vehicle productivity reforms that could boost Australia’s GDP by up to $4.4 billion a year, including the removal of long-standing regulatory barriers holding back electric trucks.

The Government’s Heavy Vehicle Productivity Reform package will provide $400 million to states and territories to streamline truck permitting, cut red tape for zero-emissions trucks, and work to exempt near-silent EVs from curfews and noise restrictions. Payments are contingent on states and territories delivering the reforms, funded through the National Productivity Fund.

Today’s agreement delivers investment in reforms that will make it easier for the thousands of Australia’s truckies to make the switch to electric. Combined with their reduced running costs, lower pollution, health benefits and fuel security benefits, all Australians will be better off with more clean, quiet, electric trucks on our roads.

Benefits for all Australians

Julie Delvecchio, CEO, Electric Vehicle Council, said:

“We’ve long been saying electric trucks deliver productivity and fuel security for the nation. Every electric truck on the road is one less truck relying on imported diesel. Today’s decision shows governments at every level are listening to industry, with real money behind the reform.

“The EVC has been clear: electric trucks are caught up in rules that shouldn’t apply to them – curfews built for diesel engines are just one example. Now there’s investment behind fixing that.

“Electric trucks have enormous potential to boost national productivity. And, improve Australia’s supply chains and bolster fuel security. Unlocking their potential on more of the road network. Will deliver benefits that far outweigh the costs of the current regulatory patchwork.”

Electric trucks remain less than 1% of Australia’s heavy vehicle sales. This is in part due to the patchwork of road access rules that apply to the biggest electric trucks. Whose batteries make them heavier than other vehicles. Combined with noise restrictions on off-peak deliveries and the slow rollout of truck chargers, operators have been facing obstacles at every turn.

Handbrakes on electric trucks

Cameron Rimington, Heavy Vehicle Lead, Electric Vehicle Council, said:

“Red tape has been one of the biggest handbrakes on electric trucks in Australia. A truck that can’t carry a full load isn’t commercially viable. No matter how much cheaper it is to run. Today’s commitment to increase road access for heavy EVs. Improve charging infrastructure and lift noise restrictions is exactly the kind of practical reform operators have been asking for.”

“Government has listened to industry and taken the right decision in favour of reform. The EV Council and its members have been advocating for regulatory changes for the past five years. And this year a coalition of 46 clean freight leaders backed those calls in. We’re now looking forward to working with all States and Territories. To implement these productive reforms and run more Australian trucks on Australian energy.”

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The overall width limit of trucks will increase from 2.50 to 2.55 metres, which will align with standards used by major supplier economies.

EVC chief executive Behyad Jafari said the electric vehicle industry has been calling for the change for several years. The EVC congratulates the government for working collaboratively with industry and other stakeholders to deliver this important change.

“Increasing the width limit of trucks brings Australia in line with major overseas markets, like the EU, which is vital if we want to increase the supply of electric trucks on our roads,” Mr Jafari said.

“Being out of step with international regulation has restricted the supply of electric trucks into Australia. Aligning these standards will make it simpler and cheaper for Australian operators to access electric trucks, while also improving productivity, freight efficiency and safety.

Australia is dependent on trucks

“Australia is dependent on trucks to deliver goods across our massive nation, meaning they make up around one-fifth of the country’s transport emissions. Having more electric trucks crossing the country will reduce transport emissions, improve air quality, cut the cost of freight and reduce operating costs for owners as we decrease our reliance on expensive, imported fuel.

“As the adoption of electric trucks accelerates around the world, it’s vital that Australia stops falling behind. Increasing the width limit is a great first step, but we need to keep the momentum going to support our country’s electrification of trucks.

“We encourage the federal government to build on this announcement by introducing a mass concession (one tonne minimum) for electric trucks, and making it cheaper and attractive for Australian businesses wanting to embrace this technology. More broadly, we need a National Electric Heavy Vehicle Strategy that outlines a plan to decarbonise our heavy vehicle fleet over the long haul.”

Click here for more information on ways Australia can accelerate electric truck uptake.

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