ATA: truck dimension rules are blocking cleaner vehicles

The truck dimension rules must be changed to make zero- and low-emission trucks more available, says Australian Trucking Association CEO, Andrew McKellar, as the peak body released its submission on heavy vehicle emissions standards.

The submission also recommends increased width and mass for diesel trucks that meet the Euro VI emission standard or equivalent, as well as electric and hydrogen trucks.

"Australian trucks have a width of 2.5 metres, with extra allowances for equipment such as tautliner curtain buckles, lights and removable load restraint equipment," he said.

"In contrast, trucks in Europe are generally 2.55 metres wide and trucks in the US are 2.6 metres wide.

"Electric and hydrogen trucks developed overseas will need to be redesigned for the Australian market to meet our dimension rules. This will slow the rollout of zero emission trucks in Australia."

The statement comes after a submission from Tesla to the National Transport Commission recently came to light, highlighting that the fully electric Tesla Semi, at a width of 2.6 metres, would be barred from Australian roads under current regulations.

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Mr McKellar said an increase in vehicle mass was also needed to encourage the purchase of newer, greener vehicles.

"Euro VI, battery electric and hydrogen trucks are heavier, which reduces the amount of freight they can carry and their commercial viability," he said.

"There needs to be an extra 500kg axle mass allowance for single-steer trucks and an extra 1000kg for twin-steer trucks."

Mr McKellar said zero emission trucks were a reality and needed the right policy settings to increase their uptake in Australia.

"We are getting to the stage now where international vehicle manufacturers are bringing electric vehicles to the market. To support this, government must ensure vehicle standards regulations are flexible enough to allow that to happen," he said.

He said the Government's proposal to mandate Euro VI or the equivalent US/Japanese standards should be brought forward to January 1, 2024, for new truck models and January 1, 2025, for new trucks generally.

The Government's current proposal is to mandate Euro VI or its equivalents for new truck models from July 1, 2027, and for new trucks from July 1, 2028.

"After extensive consultation with our members, the ATA considers that we can now mandate Euro VI and its equivalent standards earlier than originally planned, but the mass and width changes must come into force well in advance of January 1, 2024," he said.

Click here to view the submission.