Victoria has surged ahead in the zero-emissions heavy vehicle race, implementing the first permanent access rule change for a Volvo truck network
The Victorian government has followed the likes of South Australia, NSW and Queensland in moving towards a zero-emissions freight transport roadmap.
As part of the move, the government will establish a zero-emissions heavy vehicle freight network alongside Volvo.
Access maps will reduce the need for structural assessments on a permit-by-permit basis for operators of approved vehicles – saving time, cutting red tape and cost burdens on the heavy vehicle industry.
The first map centres will be on a new Volvo electric semi-trailer, allowing the manufacturer to start offering this combination for use on the approved network by local operators to super-charge a shift towards more sustainable heavy vehicles.
The new permanent low/zero-emissions road network will simplify the implementation of this vehicle technology on Victorian roads, allowing Volvo electric trucks to operate under a pre-approved, three-year permit with a 7.5 tonne steer axle weight concession.
Victoria is the first Australian state or territory to make permanent moves to open the road network to low/zero-emissions heavy vehicles rather than announcing a trial.
“We’ve been very clear that without legislative changes, such as these, we won’t, as an industry, meet the emissions targets that we’re all working towards,” Volvo Group Australia president and CEO Martin Merrick says.
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“I applaud the commitment shown by the Victorian government by taking these steps. We’ve made our commitment to both industry and society that we will be at the forefront of zero-emissions transport and I’m heartened to see government taking steps along this journey as well.”
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has commenced developing a Future Heavy Vehicle Roadmap to provide a blueprint so the Australian heavy vehicle industry can further plan.
“Achieving substantial reductions in transport sector emissions means we need to rapidly reduce our petroleum-fuelled vehicle fleet and shift freight to rail while we transition to zero emissions vehicles (ZEVs) powered by clean energy,” Victorian ports and freight minister Melissa Horne says.
“This announcement shows Victoria is forging a path to drive energy transition in the freight sector, accelerate the uptake of ZEVs and encourage mode shift across our transport network as we zero-in on decarbonisation.’’
The Victorian government has set interim emissions reduction targets of 50 per cent against 2005 levels by 2030 and a 75-80 per cent reduction by 2035.
The Victorian Budget 2023/24 announced a $15 million program targeting truck operators who regularly travel through Melbourne’s inner west, providing grants to remove their older, dirtier trucks off the road and encourage the transition to newer, more emission efficient trucks.