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Posted by David Sexton
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11 May, 2026
HELPING reduce reliance upon fossil fuels is a focus of the Victorian government in signing a global memorandum of understanding (MoU) on transitioning to zero-emission freight vehicles.
The MoU brings together 43 countries and more than 295 subnational governments, manufacturers, finance institutions, fleet owners and operators, and utility and infrastructure providers working to decarbonise the freight sector and reduce transport emissions.
Under the MoU, signatories are working towards 100% zero-emission new truck and bus sales by 2040, with an interim target of 30% of new sales being zero-emission by 2030.
This includes a national plan for high-capacity freight charging and supporting the Sydney to Melbourne Hume Zero corridor.
It is also expected to target small and medium operators – while delivering new policies to strengthen market certainty.
Ports and freight minister Melissa Horne said freight demand would more than double by 2050.
“We must act now by shifting to rail and backing cleaner transport,” she said.
“This endorsement links Victoria to a global push to cut emissions and halve them by 2030.”
Victoria now joins more than 40 countries working towards net zero by 2050.
Endorsing the MoU is expected to allow Victoria to access an international network of jurisdictions and industry to work towards the state government's goal of 50% zero-emission on new light vehicle sales by 2030.
The MoU is a key step towards decarbonising the freight industry and shifting freight from road to rail.
The government says it has recently introduced two new programs to help freight operators invest in low and zero-emission vehicles, infrastructure and technology.
This includes the $8 million Victorian Freight Decarbonisation Co-Investment Program and the $1.5 million Victorian Electric Heavy Vehicle Trial.
CALSTART chief executive Michael Berube said they “warmly welcome the Victorian government to the Global Memorandum of Understanding on Zero-Emission medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles, co-led by CALSTART’s Drive to Zero program.”
“Subnational governments like Victoria are critical in accelerating zero-emission trucks and buses,” he said.
"This endorsement connects Victoria to a global network and will help jointly reduce transport emissions, enhance fuel resilience, and support faster adoption of zero-emission vans, trucks and buses.”
