The increased limits will be implemented over a two-year trial period and it is hoped they will increase uptake of zero emissions heavy vehicles
The NSW government has announced it will give access to its state road network to extra mass zero emission trucks, which weigh more than internal combustion engine trucks because of their batteries.
The change will be implemented on a two-year trial basis and is part of the government’s new Towards Net Zero Emissions Freight Policy, which aims to reduce emissions in the transport sector.
It will allow zero emission trucks with up to eight tonnes on a single steer axle, and up to 18.5 tonnes on the drive axle in cases where the overall gross vehicle mass of the prime mover does not exceed 26 tonnes.
Currently, access is not available to assets owned or managed by third party or local road managers.
Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW) will be working with third-party asset owners and partners to increase access.
TfNSW has also released a free online vehicle comparison resource to compare information on diesel and electric heavy vehicles of three tonnes and above.
The resource can be found here and also includes a Knowledge Hub, which has information on grants and technologies available.
The new heavy vehicle weight limits follow a series of landmark announcements over the past week, including the federal government’s decision to increase the maximum width of trucks to 2.55m.
Many electric vehicles built overseas, such as in the EU and the US, are just a few centimetres too wide for the previous Australian limit of 2.5m.
The government developed its new policy after consultation with stakeholders in the NSW freight industry, vehicle manufacturers, service providers, local, state and federal governments and academics.
It has recognised that current regulations restrict heavier and wider vehicles on the roads, which is a major barrier to the uptake of zero emission trucks.
The government of NSW has committed to a target of achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and has already electrified its bus and corporate passenger fleet, as well as its heavy commercial vehicle fleet.