CMV Truck & Bus hosted Victorian Government Minister, Melissa Horne at its Derrimut, Melbourne dealership, to discuss low and zero-emission transport.
The meeting was part of an ongoing dialogue between industry and government to look at avenues to accelerate the transition to low and zero-emission transport solutions in Victoria.
The Hon. Melissa Horne, Minister for Ports and Freight, Minister for Roads and Road Safety, and Minister for Health Infrastructure, was welcomed by Ross Greig, General Manager – Western Region, Joe Di Santo, recently appointed Market Development Manager (Emerging Technologies & Alternative Fuels) and Jeff Tyzack, Business Development Manager for CMV Truck & Bus.
The visit focused on identifying how the Victorian Government can support the reduction of carbon emissions within the state’s heavy transport sector.
During the visit, CMV Truck & Bus highlighted several pressing challenges that are currently hindering the widespread adoption of electric heavy vehicles in Victoria.
“One of the most significant barriers is Australia’s outdated axle mass limits,” Ross Greig said.
“Compared to international standards – such as the EU Council directive which permits up to 10 tonnes on the front axle for low and zero-emission vehicles – Australia’s limit of 7 tonnes is insufficient.”
This discrepancy makes it difficult for electric trucks to legally carry the same payloads as their diesel counterparts, he said.
As a result, operators are forced to apply for individual permits from each local council to operate within their jurisdictions, a process that is both impractical and unsustainable for fleet scalability, Greig said.
Another major challenge is the financial viability of transitioning to electric trucks, the parties heard, where, although those vehicles offer lower operating costs over time, their upfront purchase price is typically double that of a comparable diesel truck.
This high initial investment, coupled with uncertainty around future resale values, creates hesitation among fleet operators, Ross Greig added.
“CMV Truck & Bus is advocating for government-backed finance solutions that can help mitigate these risks and support businesses in making the switch,” says Joe Di Santo.
The parties also discussed how lack of fast-charging infrastructure suitable for large trucks in Melbourne’s industrial areas presents a logistical hurdle.
Without accessible and reliable charging stations, operators are unable to deploy electric trucks at scale, CMV said as it stressed the urgent need for dedicated electric truck fuel stations to support the growing demand and ensure the viability of zero-emission freight transport.
CMV Truck & Bus also showcased its partnership with Volvo Group Australia, which has produced over 80,000 trucks since beginning local manufacturing in 1972.
Volvo is set to commence Australian assembly of electric Volvo trucks in 2026, reinforcing its commitment to local jobs and innovation.
With government support, these world-leading electric trucks can help expedite carbon reduction across the freight industry and contribute meaningfully to Australia’s climate goals, CMV Truck & Bus said.
Minister Horne demonstrated a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the electric heavy vehicle sector, emphasising the critical role of transitioning to net-zero.
As Minister for Roads and Road Safety, her portfolio plays a pivotal role in shaping the regulatory and physical landscape for sustainable transport solutions.
CMV Truck & Bus said it looked forward to continuing its collaboration with government stakeholders to ensure Victoria remains at the forefront of transport innovation and environmental responsibility.
CMV Truck & Bus is a division of the wider CMV Group, a 4th generation family business, operates substantial light automotive and heavy vehicle dealerships, predominately in Victoria and South Australia. It employs over 2,000 staff.
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