The Victorian Government is moving to align with a global framework aimed at accelerating the transition to zero-emission trucks.
The Allan Labor Government has endorsed a Global Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Zero-Emission Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles, linking Victoria to a network of 43 countries and more than 295 subnational governments, along with manufacturers, financiers, fleet operators and infrastructure providers working to decarbonise freight.
The agreement sets an ambition for 100 per cent of new truck and bus sales to be zero-emission by 2040, with an interim target of 30 per cent by 2030.
It also supports coordinated planning for high-capacity freight charging infrastructure, including backing for the proposed Sydney-Melbourne ‘Hume Zero’ corridor, alongside measures intended to improve market certainty for operators and suppliers.
According to the Government, the framework is intended to reduce freight fuel consumption, improve long-term cost stability, and support the broader shift to net zero by 2050.
Victoria will also be able to access international collaboration networks through the MoU as it works towards its own target of 50 per cent zero-emission new light vehicle sales by 2030.
The endorsement comes alongside two state programs: the $8 million Victorian Freight Decarbonisation Co-Investment Program and a $1.5 million Electric Heavy Vehicle Trial, aimed at supporting operators investing in low- and zero-emission technologies and infrastructure.
Minister Melissa Horne said freight demand is expected to more than double by 2050, arguing early action is needed to shift transport modes and emissions outcomes.
Industry and technology stakeholders have welcomed the move.
CALSTART CEO, Michael Berube, through the organisation’s Drive to Zero initiative, said subnational governments are critical to accelerating zero-emission freight adoption and strengthening fuel resilience through coordinated action.
The announcement also highlighted growing industry alignment, including commentary from charging infrastructure provider NewVolt, which noted Victoria’s participation in the global MoU alongside existing state programs signals clear momentum for electrified freight.
NewVolt said more than 30 Victorian fleets are already engaged in its network, with plans to establish three Melbourne-area sites by the end of 2027. The company also pointed to the Hume Zero corridor initiative – chaired by Rainer Knobloch – as a key collaboration platform aimed at supporting corridor-wide electrification between Melbourne and Sydney.
The combined policy and industry initiatives are being positioned as a coordinated step toward reducing freight emissions while reshaping long-term operating costs and infrastructure planning across the sector.
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