Coalition urges zero-emission action

A joint letter sent to federal ministers outlines a coordinated push to grow energy independence and fast-track the transition to Zero-Emission Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles (ZE-MHDVs), backed by a broad cross-section of the freight, energy and manufacturing sectors.

Road freight currently contributes 8.6 per cent of Australia’s GDP and accounts for more than 80 per cent of freight emissions, producing roughly one-third of national transport emissions. Despite this, electric truck sales remain below one per cent of the local market.

Signatories, including Australian Trucking Association, Electric Vehicle Council and CALSTART, argue that zero-emission trucks are already commercially viable in many applications, offering lower operating costs, reduced fuel volatility and improved driver conditions.

The coalition is urging the government to adopt a series of measures aimed at unlocking private investment and scaling deployment. These include joining the global Memorandum of Understanding on zero-emission trucks, developing a national high-capacity charging network and supporting a Sydney–Melbourne ‘Hume Zero’ corridor as a flagship project.

CALSTART CEO, Michael Berube, said international markets are already moving quickly.

“Around the world, countries are accelerating the transition to zero-emission trucks and buses because technology availability provides an increasingly strong economic case,” he said.

Coverage also seen in Fleet EV News and Mirage News.