There was great praise for the Federal Government when it released the electric vehicle strategy and opened consultation on fuel efficiency standards which are seen as the next critical step to increasing the adoption of zero emission vehicles.
Now, the industry is demanding more action on heavy vehicles and road transport.
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, the focus of the government’s first National Electric Vehicle Strategy launched last week.
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.
The freight and logistics transport sector contributes 38% of Australia’s transport emissions.1 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.
The Australian Government should:
- 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.
As an organisation in strong support of a zero emissions future, IKEA Australia backs the industry call for government to support the decarbonisation of the commercial logistics sector.
Alexandra Kelly, Zero Emissions Delivery Lead, IKEA Australia said, “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.
“As the first home-furnishing retailer in Australia to use electric vehicles for deliveries with our transport service providers, we are committed to achieving 100% zero emissions delivery by 2025. But we cannot do it alone. More is needed to build confidence in the sector that now is the time to electrify.”
Behyad Jafari, chief executive, Electric Vehicle Council said, “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.
“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.”
Samuel Marks, Sustainability and Future Transport Manager, Australian Trucking Association said, “Australia has a legislated net zero emissions target but needs a strategy for zero emissions trucks. We need to move from one-off pilot projects to a strategy that enables all trucking operators to plan with certainty for low and zero emissions transport.
“Financial incentives in the United States mean that cost parity for urban electric trucks are already approaching cost parity with diesel trucks, and Australia now risks falling behind. Stronger action now to incentivise and enable trucking operators to deploy zero emission trucks will enable industry to reduce carbon emissions whilst continuing to drive a growing economy.”
Fiona Simon, chief executive, Australian Hydrogen Council said, “Decarbonisation of Australia’s transport sector is becoming increasingly urgent. Heavy vehicles in particular require clear policy and strong enablers to propel transition.
“There is a cost of not acting. Heavy vehicle transition is already naturally delayed, compounded by the timeframe they remain on the road and regulatory barriers. It is with absolute urgency that a comprehensive low emissions trucks strategy be developed.”
