Businesses and Industry Groups Urge Australian Government to Accelerate Energy Independence With Zero Emission Freight
CALSTART Drive To Zero
Good afternoon
Please attached a media release re a joint letter from a coalition of business and industry groups calling on the Federal Government to urgently expand our national energy independence and accelerate the transition to zero-emission heavy and medium duty vehicles.
The full media release is attached and brief summary follows:
Australia risks missing zero-emission freight opportunity without urgent government action
A coalition of major industry players is urging the Federal Government to fast-track policies that unlock zero-emission freight, warning Australia is falling behind globally despite strong economic and energy security benefits.
Road freight accounts for over 80% of Australia’s freight emissions and nearly one-third of transport emissions, yet electric trucks still represent less than 1% of the market.
Industry says the technology is ready and commercially viable, with dozens of electric truck models already available, but investment is being held back by a lack of national coordination, charging infrastructure and policy certainty.
The group is calling for immediate action, including a national freight charging network, incentives for operators, and backing a Sydney–Melbourne “Hume Zero” corridor to accelerate adoption.
With global supply chains under pressure and fuel volatility rising, the message is clear: zero-emission freight is no longer just an environmental issue - it’s an economic and energy security imperative.
Contact details:
Todd Hayward - 0412 205 151