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Posted by Allen Newton
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17 Aug, 2026
AUSTRALIA’S freight sector could see billions in productivity gains under a new package of heavy‑vehicle reforms agreed by federal, state and territory treasurers.
The Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) says the changes will finally remove long‑standing barriers to deploying electric trucks at scale.
Treasurers meeting on Monday endorsed the Heavy Vehicle Productivity Reform package, which includes $400 million for states and territories to streamline truck permitting, cut red tape for zero‑emissions vehicles and progress exemptions for near‑silent electric trucks from curfews and noise restrictions.
Funding will be delivered through the National Productivity Fund and is contingent on jurisdictions implementing the reforms.
The EVC said the decision marks a major step toward unlocking what it describes as Australia’s “biggest unseized economic opportunity”, with modelling suggesting the reforms could boost national GDP by up to $4.4 billion a year.
EVC chief executive Julie Delvecchio said the agreement shows governments are responding to industry calls for practical changes that recognise the different operating profile of electric trucks.
“We’ve long been saying electric trucks deliver productivity and fuel security for the nation. Every electric truck on the road is one less truck relying on imported diesel,” Ms Delvecchio said.
“The EVC has been clear: electric trucks are caught up in rules that shouldn’t apply to them — curfews built for diesel engines are just one example. Now there’s investment behind fixing that.”
She said the reforms would make it easier for operators to adopt electric trucks, which offer lower running costs, reduced emissions and quieter operation suited to off‑peak deliveries.
Electric trucks currently account for less than 1% of Australia’s heavy‑vehicle sales, with operators facing a patchwork of road‑access rules that limit payloads for heavier battery‑electric models, combined with noise restrictions and slow progress on charging infrastructure.
EVC heavy‑vehicle lead Cameron Rimington said the reforms directly address the commercial barriers operators have been raising for years.
“Red tape has been one of the biggest handbrakes on electric trucks in Australia. A truck that can’t carry a full load isn’t commercially viable, no matter how much cheaper it is to run,” Mr Rimington said.
“Today’s commitment to increase road access for heavy EVs, improve charging infrastructure and lift noise restrictions is exactly the kind of practical reform operators have been asking for.”
He said the EVC and its members, supported this year by a coalition of 46 clean‑freight companies, have been advocating for these changes for five years and will now work with states and territories on implementation.
The reforms are expected to support wider adoption of electric trucks across freight corridors, distribution networks and urban delivery routes, with industry groups arguing the benefits will outweigh the costs of updating regulatory frameworks.
