The Hon Catherine King MP
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development & Local Government
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Via email: Minister.King@mo.infrastructure.gov.au
The Hon Chris Bowen MP
Minister for Climate Change & Energy
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Via email: minister.bowen@dcceew.gov.au
March 26th, 2026
Businesses, subnational governments and civil society organisations call for action to accelerate clean freight, jobs and economic growth
Dear Ministers,
We, the undersigned businesses, subnational governments, and civil society organisations, write to urge the Australian Federal Government to accelerate the transition to zero-emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles (ZE-MHDVs). This transition represents a practical opportunity to reduce emissions while strengthening national competitiveness, enhancing energy security, and supporting local industry. At the same time, zero-emission trucks and buses are increasingly able to reduce total cost of ownership compared to diesel, particularly in long-distance applications.
In Australia, the case for action is clear. Road freight contributes 8.6% of GDP, accounts for over 80% of freight emissions, and produces around one-third of national transport emissions, yet electric truck sales remain below 1 % of the market.
Zero-emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles are already operating globally at scale, delivering lower operating costs for specific use cases, reduced fuel price exposure, quieter operations, and cleaner air. For Australia, this transition also represents a clear “Made in Australia” opportunity to build local supply chains, supporting regional jobs and stronger, more resilient freight networks.
We encourage the Government to unlock private investment in zero-emission freight by:
- Joining the Global MOU on ZE-MHDVs1
- Developing a nationwide plan to facilitate high-capacity freight charging, which may include co-investment with industry
- Supporting the Sydney-Melbourne “Hume Zero” corridor as a flagship project to showcase the strength of the long-distance business case
- Providing targeted incentives for small and medium-sized operators
- Implement policies to create market certainty
Together, these practical steps can lower freight costs, create local jobs, improve air quality,
and strengthen Australia’s supply chains.
We welcome the opportunity to engage further with your offices.
Yours sincerely,
Co-signed by:
1 The Global Memorandum of Understanding (Global MOU) on Zero-Emission Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles unites 42 national governments representing approximately one-fifth of global truck sales. Signatories are aligning policy, finance, and infrastructure to achieve 30% new zero-emission truck and bus sales by 2030 and 100% of new sales by 2040. The initiative is endorsed by subnational governments and organizations across the value chain, including the Australian Capital Territory and Victoria State Government https://globaldrivetozero.org/mou/endorsement