Switching to electric delivery trucks rather than diesel-powered ones could mean cutting noise, congestion and pollution on suburban and city streets as freight curfews are lifted, with the trucking industry backing an energy switch that it says will save companies money.
“It costs about $117 to fuel a diesel truck for 300 kilometres, but just $18 for an electric truck,” ATA chairman David Smith said. The ATA’s report called for incentive payments for charging infrastructure at depots and public roads, incentives for new purchases of electric trucks, making electric and zero-emission trucks exempt from stamp duty, and setting a sales target for zero-emission trucks of 30 per cent by 2030 and 100 per cent by 2040.
Volvo Group is planning to build electric trucks in Brisbane by 2025 and Australia vice president Paul Illmer said traffic and health benefits were key market opportunities for the company.“You can make deliveries at night without disturbing local residents, which could also reduce traffic congestion during the day. The impact of diesel fumes on the general public is also reduced, making our cities healthier places to be.
“Our policy will enable heavy-duty fleet operators to choose the type of technology best for their business, without raising the costs of vehicles or imposing sneaky carbon taxes,” the spokesperson said.