This week, HVIA has achieved a crucial milestone in its efforts to facilitate on-road trials of powered trailers, with the release of its draft guidelines to government stakeholders and wider industry for consultation.
The guidelines – available here – were drafted throughout the second half of 2024 and were extensively guided by HVIA’s own ‘Powered Trailers’ working group, which covers a broad cross-section of HVIA’s membership base.
“The decarbonisation of road freight transport is a global challenge. In response, industries in many countries are researching, developing and trialling innovative low- and zero-emissions vehicle technologies, including powered axles for trailing equipment,” says Adam Ritzinger, HVIA’s Chief Technical Officer.
“The eventual degree to which each can contribute to the overall goal of net zero is unknown. Presently, there is no ‘silver bullet’. Every potential solution holds merit, and different transport sectors and operations, driven by their unique requirements, are likely to favour different decarbonisation solutions.
“This is why it is imperative that in the immediate term, every available road freight decarbonisation technology is afforded the chance to demonstrate its potential contribution, and our guidelines can facilitate that.”
The aim of the guidelines as a starting point for discussions regarding on-road trials. It is hoped they will be used to guide negotiations between road managers, regulators and the industry, so they can collaboratively design an approach that ensures the safe, efficient and productive on-road trials of powered axle technology.
HVIA is seeking feedback on the draft up to COB Friday, May 2, 2025. Comments can be sent to Adam Ritzinger at a.ritzinger@hvia.asn.au.