The Australian Logistics Council (ALC) says it welcomes the federal government’s launch of the second row of its Future Fuels Fund, which endorses commercial fleets with low and zero-emission vehicles.
Brad Williams, ALC’s CEO, says the increased focus on commercial fleets is a positive development and will help the transition to low and zero emission vehicles.
Brad says the freight and logistics sector has complemented its efforts at reducing emissions by investing in zero-emission vehicle technologies. This includes its adoption of the latest heavy-duty vehicle technology, such as Euro 6 trucks.
The sector has also invested in enhanced driver training and digital technologies to help route management and fuel consumption. Additionally, it is using renewable energy in warehouses and DCs.
“A specific and targeted investment focus on the light and heavy commercial vehicle fleets will provide added impetus at an early, and important, stage of the transition and help fast-track enterprise-level initiatives,” Brad says.
“Given the nature of Australia’s heavy vehicle fleet, the future availability of second-hand low or zero-emission vehicles in the marketplace will mean more affordable access for non-fleet businesses over time,” he adds.
“There are already a number of positive developments across the transport sector, and momentum is building but the transition is influenced by a range of factors including government incentives, policy settings, access to the right technology, customer expectations and investor sentiment.
“The world is moving, and the transport sector has an important role to play in helping Australia meet its emission reduction targets.”
Angus Taylor, Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction says the program will help fleet operators shift to future fuel technologies by co-investing in EV charging and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure.
“Through co-funding the essential enabling infrastructure – such as charging stations or even electrical upgrades to three phase power – we will ensure Australian business can embrace technologies that will help to both save on their operation costs and reduce emissions,” Taylor says.
“Including hydrogen refuelling as a priority area will help accelerate the decarbonisation of heavy and long-distance vehicle fleets where battery EVs may not be a viable option.”
For more information on Future Fuels Fund Round 2, click here.
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