The outdated rules – such as noise curfews – that are making it hard for electric trucks in Australia

Australian businesses are facing significant challenges in adopting heavy-duty electric trucks due to outdated regulations and insufficient government support. A recent report by the Electric Vehicle Council highlights how restrictions such as night-time noise curfews, originally designed for diesel vehicles, are limiting the operational hours of electric trucks, despite their quieter and cleaner technology. These limitations prevent electric trucks from running around the clock, carrying heavier loads, and accessing more roads, thereby reducing their potential to cut freight costs and emissions. The report reveals that the high initial purchase price remains the primary barrier to electric truck adoption, with electric models costing two to three times more than their diesel counterparts. Unlike countries such as the UK, New Zealand, India, and Singapore, Australia offers minimal financial incentives to offset these costs, aside from limited support through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency’s Driving the Nation Fund. Additionally, state-specific regulations impose axle mass limits and restrictive access maps that are more stringent than those in other leading markets, further hindering the uptake of electric trucks. Julie Delvecchio, chief executive of the Electric Vehicle Council, emphasised the paradox of investing in advanced electric vehicle technology only to restrict its use during the most impactful hours. She argued that existing noise curfews, intended to address diesel truck noise, now unfairly block electric trucks from operating at night when they could improve productivity and reduce failed deliveries. The report cites ANC Delivers as an example, suggesting that allowing its fleet of 100 electric vehicles to operate in the evening could boost efficiency by up to 25 per cent. Industry leaders are calling for urgent reforms to support the electric truck sector, including point-of-sale incentives, expanded charging infrastructure, and relaxed weight and access regulations. Martin Merrick, Volvo Group Australia’s chief executive, expressed confidence that consistent and supportive policies would encourage major operators to increase their electric truck fleets. He projected that with the right framework, Australia could achieve a 20 per cent adoption rate of low-emission heavy vehicles by 2030, aligning the country more closely with global leaders in sustainable freight transport.