ATA calls for zero emission incentives

Following the launch of Australia’s first fully-electric series production truck, the Fuso eCanter, the ATA has come out demanding that the Australian Government implement a temporary zero emission truck purchase incentive.

CEO of the Australian Trucking Association, Andrew McKellar made the call today as he released the ATA’s submission to the Australian Government’s Future Fuels Strategy – a paper that sets out the government’s direction and practical actions to enable the commercial roll out of low emissions road transport technologies.

“New, low emission transport technologies will never become a reality if they are not viable commercial options for trucking operators,” Mr McKellar said.

“There must be a strong focus on the roll out of these technologies, with targeted government investment and clear action on how to remove the barriers that are preventing industry from adopting them,” Mr McKellar said.

To bring down these barriers, the ATA submission calls on the Government to implement a temporary Zero and Low Emission Vehicle (ZLEV) truck purchase incentive until these vehicles make up five per cent of Australia’s heavy vehicle fleet.

“A temporary incentive would remove these barriers and allow market choice about the best way to move goods, reduce emissions and grow the Australian economy,” Mr McKellar said.

The ATA submission highlighted an example of a successful incentive system in California, in which trucking businesses can access up to US$120,000 ($A157,480) in incentives for the purchase of zero emission prime movers.

“This scheme has already assisted more than 7500 zero emission and other clean trucks and buses to enter the transport fleet,” Mr McKellar said.

The ATA submission also recommended the ZLEV strategy address vehicle design rules to implement additional mass and width for zero emission and cleaner trucks, as well as extending investment in hydrogen refuelling stations.

“Co-investment in hydrogen refuelling and electric charging stations by the Future Fuels Fund should incorporate heavy vehicle access, strategic planning of refuelling on transport routes, and consider co-location with existing truck driver rest facilities,” Mr McKellar said.

“For early fleet adoption, private commercial ‘back to base’ sites should be eligible for investment,” he added.

Mr McKellar said adopting the ATA’s recommendations would support the government’s commitment to the $24.5 million Freight Energy Productivity Program.

“The ATA welcomes this commitment, which will provide competitive grants to support trucking businesses to invest in efficiency improvement for diesel vehicle fleets, vehicle modifications, or new vehicle technologies,” he concluded.