Qld Government rolls out axle weight increase for electric trucks

The Queensland Government has today announced a long-awaited change to maximum axle weight limits for battery-electric trucks, allowing them to operate with a steer axle weight of eight tonnes on selected roads throughout the state.

Electric trucks typically weigh more than their diesel counterparts, limited by high front axle loads, which meant the pre-existing 6.5-tonne limit presented an industry-wide roadblock for the adoption of zero-emission technology in Australia.

The new Zero Emission Heavy Vehicle Network Map will allow electric trucks to operate with increased steer axle mass, covering the southeast corner of the state extending from the New South Wales border at the Gold Coast, to Bundaberg, and as far west as Warwick.

According to the official announcement, the map is the first in a series that will identify which areas of the Queensland road network can support the heavier steer axle weights, aimed at facilitating access across the state for electric trucks.

The Government worked with the transport industry to identify areas of initial demand, the announcement highlighted, as part of a staged approach that will continue to evaluate suitable state-controlled roads for inclusion throughout South-East Queensland.

Prior to the announcement, the Queensland, South Australian and New South Wales Governments all allowed greater steer axle weights as part of a trial of electric trucks, but so far only Queensland has formalised the increased limits.

“This announcement will put Queensland on the map as a leader in future electric truck manufacturing,” said Transport and Main Roads Minister, Bart Mellish.

“As transport is one of the main contributors to Queensland's emissions, Zero Emission Heavy Vehicles can make a significant contribution to meeting Queensland’s targets to reduce emissions by 30 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2050.”

Instrumental in lobbying for the axle weight relaxation was Volvo Group Australia, having launched its all-electric heavy-duty truck range at the Brisbane Truck Show in 2023 but with axle weights exceeding the limit at the time.

“I’d like to thank Minister Mellish, Minister de Brenni, Queensland TMR and the NHVR for their support and hard work in bringing this regulatory shift into reality,” said Volvo Group Australia Chief Executive, Martin Merrick.

“This announcement will allow the full range of Volvo’s electric heavy vehicles to operate on Queensland roads, which is a major win for the people of Queensland.

“We now also have the green light to invest even further in Queensland manufacturing. Last year I announced our intention to build battery-electric trucks at our Wacol manufacturing facility; today I can confirm that intention can now be made reality.”

The axle weight relaxation for battery-electric trucks follows a recent maximum width increase from 2.50 to 2.55 metres for new trucks fitted with selected safety equipment, which was also introduced to drive the adoption of more efficient vehicles.