Victorian freight operators will soon have the opportunity to trial electric heavy vehicles in real-world operations as part of a new $1.5 million initiative aimed at supporting the transition to lower-emission freight transport.
The Victorian Government has launched the Victorian Electric Heavy Vehicle Trial (VEHVT), a two-year program that will provide participating freight companies with access to electric heavy vehicles at no cost, with participating operators responsible for EV charging and driver training costs.
Delivered in partnership with the Victorian Transport Association (VTA) and industry partners, the trial is designed to help operators gain practical experience with electric truck technology while contributing operational data and user feedback.heavy
Trial to support freight sector transition
The program will allow freight operators to evaluate the practical aspects of operating electric heavy vehicles, including charging infrastructure, vehicle maintenance requirements and driver training.
Victorian Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne announced local logistics company Cahill Transport as the first participant in the trial.
“We’re helping businesses play a leading role in reducing emissions in our transport sector by supporting a low-carbon economy,” said Melissa Horne, Minister for Ports and Freight in Victoria.
“The work we are doing is critical to meet our target of cutting emissions by transitioning to cleaner, more reliable technology.”
The Victorian Government said the initiative forms part of its broader efforts to decarbonise its $36 billion freight sector while helping businesses to adopt cleaner technologies.
Electric trucks to be tested in real-world operations
The Victorian Electric Heavy Vehicle Trial will give operators hands-on experience operating electric trucks in day-to-day freight operations.
According to the Victorian Government, the program will help businesses better understand the operational requirements of electric fleets, including:
- Charging infrastructure requirements.
- Vehicle maintenance needs.
- Driver training considerations.
- Vehicle performance in real-world freight operations.
- Operational data collection and user feedback.
While the trial vehicles will be provided at no cost, participating operators will be responsible for EV charging costs and driver training expenses.
Victoria’s freight industry currently employs around 240,000 people, moves approximately 440 million tonnes of freight each year and is expected to continue growing in the coming decades.
Cahill Transport named first trial participant
Cahill Transport is already operating a Mercedes-Benz eActros evaluation vehicle as part of the initiative.
Daimler Truck Australia Pacific said the electric truck has performed well during its evaluation period, with drivers reporting positive feedback regarding its practicality and ease of use.
Andrew Assimo, Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Operations at Daimler Truck Australia Pacific, welcomed the launch of the trial.
“We applaud the VTA’s vision to make this trial happen and help more customers experience these electric workhorses,” said Assimo.
“They will be able to experience practical sustainability with the best electric trucks you can buy.”
Industry partnership to generate practical insights
The Victorian Transport Association said the trial is intended to provide the freight industry with valuable information to support future fleet electrification decisions.
“Decarbonisation of the road transport industry needs to be understood by operators and data from this initiative will create a transitional pathway,” said Peter Anderson, Chief Executive Officer of the Victorian Transport Association.
The Victorian Government said supporting businesses to invest in cleaner technologies will help reduce emissions, improve air quality and potentially lower operating costs as the freight industry transitions to net zero emissions.
The VHVT will run over two years and is expected to generate practical insights into the adoption of electric heavy vehicles across Victoria’s freight sector.
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