Report calls for support as Australia transitions to commercial BEVs

A report from the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) and the Electric Vehicle Council has urged reforms to support a smooth and timely transition to zero-emissions transport.

The report, ‘Electric trucks: Keeping shelves stocked in a net-zero world’, highlights the benefits that electrifying the Australian trucking industry would bring to the environment and society as a whole.

A primary concern is vehicle availability. According to the report, out of 58 models currently available worldwide only 14 are offered in Australia.

The call for a switch to battery-electric transport comes as the country is facing an AdBlue shortage. AdBlue is the brand name of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), which is injected into the SCR unit to neutralise NOx in diesel engine emissions. Modern diesels will not operate if the fluid is not present.

The report highlights benefits of switching to electric vehicles, such as obviating the need for AdBlue, increasing diesel costs, reduced maintenance costs and improved working environment for drivers.

It would also allow trucks to work in urban areas during night (curfew) hours, due to the reduced noise of operation.

It is also noted that zero-emissions trucks will be more important due to the COVID pandemic, which has seen home deliveries increase. Australia Post has already started transitioning to battery-electric delivery vehicles. In September last year, a further 20 electric Fuso eCanter trucks were delivered.

James Dixon, GM of Australia Post networks said that the new trucks would help achieve the target of reducing emissions by 15% by 2025 (from a 2019 baseline).