CMV Truck & Bus have hosted Melissa Horne MP – Victorian Minister for Ports and Freight, Minister for
Roads and Road Safety at its Derrimut dealership this week.
It was part of an ongoing dialogue between industry and government to accelerate the transition to low and zero-emission transport solutions across the state.
The visit in which Horne met with Ross Greig, CMV Truck & Bus General Manager Western Region, Joe Di Santo, recently appointed Market Development Manager and Jeff Tyzack, Business Development Manager, focused on identifying how the Victorian Government can support the reduction of carbon emissions within the state’s heavy transport sector.
CMV Truck & Bus notably highlighted several pressing challenges that are currently hindering the widespread adoption of electric heavy vehicles in Victoria.
“One of the most significant barriers is Australia’s outdated axle mass limits,” said Greig.
“Compared to international standards – such as the EU Council directive which permits up to 10 tonnes on the front axle for low and zero-emission vehicles – Australia’s limit of 7 tonnes is insufficient.”
This discrepancy makes it difficult for electric trucks to legally carry the same payloads as their diesel counterparts.
As a result, operators are forced to apply for individual permits from each local council to operate within their jurisdictions, a process that is both impractical and unsustainable for fleet scalability.
Another major challenge is the financial viability of transitioning to electric trucks.
Although these vehicles offer lower operating costs over time, their upfront purchase price is typically double that of a comparable diesel truck.
This high initial investment, coupled with uncertainty around future resale values, creates hesitation among fleet operators.
“CMV Truck & Bus is advocating for government-backed finance solutions that can help mitigate these risks and support businesses in making the switch,” said Joe Di Santo.
The lack of fast-charging infrastructure suitable for large trucks in Melbourne’s industrial areas presented another logistical hurdle.
Without accessible and reliable charging stations, operators were presently unable to deploy electric trucks at scale.
CMV Truck & Bus has stressed the urgent need for dedicated electric truck fuel stations to support the growing demand and ensure the viability of zero-emission freight transport.
As Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Horne’s portfolio plays a pivotal role in shaping the regulatory and physical landscape for sustainable transport solutions.
“CMV Truck & Bus looks forward to continued collaboration with government stakeholders to ensure Victoria remains at the forefront of transport innovation and environmental responsibility,” the company said in a statement.
.png){kind=logo}
