TruckShowX “a huge success”

TruckShowX has lived up to its credo of ‘Implementing the Zero-Emissions Ecosystem’ when it kicked off yesterday (May 13) and continues through today.

Held at RACV’s Cape Schanck Resort on Victoria’s beautiful Mornington Peninsula, the two-day event is designed to deliver expert advice and insights on the steps required to implement the eco-system necessary to support the move to low- and zero-emissions transport.

With a host of interesting and informative sessions from industry leaders and specialists, as well as the ‘rolling truck show’ where attendees got to actually drive the trucks that were on display, the show has plenty to offer.

We caught up with organiser Graham Gardiner from the HVIA who said that the show had really hit the spot: “The intent is to introduce people to the EV world and get them involved,” he said. “There are some areas where our speakers can educate people about the EV and alternative fuels and we think we’ve done that with our speakers here.”

TruckShowX was a sell-out before the gates opened and the social events began on Sunday, so from that perspective, it was a success before it started.

“We’ve had a very big roll-out especially for the Drive Days where people could actually book a time to get behind the wheel of the trucks on display,” said Gardiner. “I believe all the spots are gone, especially for the big trucks.”

Vehicles on display included the newly-released Mercedes-Benz eActros, Volvo’s FL and FM Electric trucks, Fuso eCanter, Iveco eDaily in both van and cab/chassis forms, DAF, SEA Electric, Foton Electric and even Hyzon hydrogen trucks were there, as well as Hino with the Hybrid Electric in tilt-tray guise.

The idea of having the trucks available to drive for the attendees is a new idea and a fabulous one for both the manufacturers and the punters and Gardiner says he’ll do it again. “It’s a great format,” he said. “Much better than just looking at them. For those who haven’t experienced an electric truck, it’s a real eye-opener,” he added.

Mr Gardiner said he and the HVIA were very happy with the event was panning out. “It has far exceeded out expectations as far as the crowd, and the calibre of the speakers is concerned,” he said.

Asked if the HVIA intended to do it again, Gardiner said it was a certainty. “We’ll do it again. Around the same time, in the intervening years between the Brisbane Truck Show [which is run every two years]. And we’ll do it away from Brisbane so it’s a stand-alone event.”

That means with the Brisbane Truck Show scheduled for May 15 to 18 next year, we can expect to see the next TruckShowX to be held in May 2026.

We’ll keep you posted.