A ROLLOUT of reliable charging infrastructure will be crucial to encouraging the uptake of electric freight vehicles, the Australian Logistics Council says.
The ALC has this week welcomed details of the New South Wales government’s plan for electric and hybrid vehicles.
“If freight logistics operators are going to make the switch to electric vehicles, they must have confidence they will be able to charge those vehicles when and where they need to,” said ALC chief executive Kirk Coningham.
“The ALC Electric Vehicles Working Group has clearly identified a lack of confidence in the availability of charging infrastructure as a barrier to greater uptake of electric vehicles in the industry.”
Mr Coningham said the point had been made in the submission made by the ALC to Transport for NSW last year.
“ALC is pleased that today’s announcement addresses this issue and specifically commits to the installation of fast-charging points for electric and hybrid vehicles on key regional routes, including the Newell, Great Western, New England, Pacific and Princes Highways and the Hume Motorway,” he said. “Given the centrality of these corridors to the safe and efficient movement of freight throughout NSW, it is crucial that the NSW Government involves the freight logistics industry when considering the design and location of this charging infrastructure, so that it delivers the right outcomes for industry participants.”
Mr Coningham said governments needed to act now to establish the right regulatory frameworks to allow CAVs to operate safely on Australian roads.
“Above all, it will be imperative for NSW to ensure it works cooperatively with other jurisdictions and the Commonwealth as both these plans are rolled out, so that cross-border regulatory inconsistencies do not impede national supply chain efficiency,” he said.
