The Australian Logistics Council (ALC) has expressed its disappointment at a report from the Senate Select Committee on Electric Vehicles, claiming it missed the opportunity to recommend boosting electric vehicle (EV) uptake in the freight logistics sector.
ALC CEO, Kirk Coningham, said, “There is clearly a willingness within this industry to move towards greater use of EVs in freight delivery. It is disappointing that the Committee has not supported that positive attitude by explicitly addressing freight vehicles in its recommendations to the Government.
“It is especially perplexing that the Committee recommends establishing national EV targets for light passenger vehicles, light commercial vehicles and metropolitan buses – but is silent on establishing a similar target for heavy vehicles.”
Mr Coningham also expressed disappointment that the report did not take the opportunity to recommend a review of the Australian Design Rules, so that they could better accommodate the unique size and shape of some electric freight vehicles.
“ALC is pleased that the report does make recommendations on some of the issues raised in our submission, including the need to facilitate the rollout of charging infrastructure and ensure the energy network is able to sustain a reliable supply of energy to power EVs,” Mr Coningham said.
“However on the whole, these recommendations fall well short of the type of action that is needed to hasten the uptake of EVs in the freight logistics sector.
“One opportunity that was clearly missed was a recommendation to establish a Low Emission Vehicle Contestable Fund, similar to one already operating in New Zealand.
“Similar initiatives will need to be adopted in an Australian context if freight logistics operators are to be encouraged to incorporate EVs into their own operations.”
ALC intends to pursue these initiatives in its pre-Budget submission and in ongoing discussions with the Federal Government.
“ALC’s Electric Vehicles Working Group will continue to pursue these matters with all political parties in the lead up to this year’s federal election.”
View the Senate Select Committee on Electric Vehicle’s report here.
