17 March 2023
After taking a ride in a number of electric trucks that are available in Australia today, it is clear to a number of Queensland freight and logistics operators that zero emissions vehicles and decarbonised freight is something that can be realised today, and not just a vision of the future.
The event was organised by the Queensland Transport and Logistics Council (QTLC) with MOV3MENT and the Port of Brisbane. It attracted a good crowd of interested attendees who took the opportunity to inspect and ride in one of six electric trucks that are – much to their surprise of most attendees – out on the road delivering freight in Australia today. The event featured electric trucks from Fuso, Volvo, Janus Electric, SEA Electric, BLK Auto, JAC and EV Automotive.
The event came on the heels of a report from QTLC and MOV3MENT which details the potential for zero emission freight trucks, identifies factors constraining growth, and highlights ‘sweet spot’ market segments which could be targeted.
The report, Addressing barriers to zero emissions trucks in Queensland to 2025, provides recommendations for different stakeholder groups to get more electric trucks on the roads sooner, and lighthouse accelerator opportunities like the ride day.
“Significant deployment of zero emission trucks will be required to meet the Queensland and Australian Government’s net-zero targets, yet today, less than 0.2% of new truck sales are zero emission,” said QTLC CEO Lauren Hewitt.
“The Queensland freight task can provide great early deployment opportunities – particularly in urban operations which represent 70% of all rigid truck activity.”
MOV3MENT Director Mark Gjerek noted, “There is a lot of focus on hydrogen for heavy vehicles. While it is technically suitable, we don’t see that being commercially viable by 2025 or even 2030 without significant government subsidies. But the report shows battery electric trucks can be financially viable even today in the right application – including urban delivery, low frequency waste compactors and regional haul.”
MOV3MENT’s consultation with fleets and transport precincts highlighted a market that is underdeveloped due to a range of market maturity and cultural barriers. While many of these barriers will be addressed over time, some will require significant leadership, collaboration, and investment. “We need to get beyond limited trials of one or two vehicles to achieve mainstream adoption,” said Mr Gjerek.
You can learn more about the opportunities for improving energy productivity in the freight transport sector on A2EP's Freight Transport page.
More pictures from the electric truck day at the Port of Brisbane:
