Inquiries Under Way on EV Transition, Renewable Diesel

Two reviews are under way aimed at promoting transport decarbonisation: one focused on transition to electric vehicles and the other on development of a fuel quality standard for renewable diesel.

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water recently commenced an inquiry into the transition to EVs.

The Committee will be exploring the necessary resources, systems and infrastructure required for this transition and the impacts of moving away from traditional vehicles.

It will investigate opportunities such as fuel savings and affordability for residents in outer regions.

Particular focus will be given to the future of EV battery manufacturing, existing auto industry component manufacturers, challenges on electricity consumption and demand, and the limited EV supply pipeline compared to other countries. Further details are available on the inquiry web page.

HVIA’s LITE Driving Committee will be preparing a response to the inquiry.

The Federal Government has recently shown strong interest in the transition of heavy vehicles to net zero and is currently preparing a sector decarbonisation plan.

HVIA has been advocating directly to the relevant Ministers and the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, as well as the Department’s Net Zero Unit to ensure member’s views are heard. We will continue to advocate in this space, with guidance from the HVIA LITE Driving Committee.

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water is also completing a consultation process into the development of a fuel quality standard for renewable diesel.

HVIA is currently preparing a response to this review which looks at two options to enable the supply of renewable diesel in Australia under the Fuel Quality Standards Act: amending the existing diesel standard to include paraffinic (long hydrocarbon chains which are the simplest types of hydrocarbons) diesel; or creating standalone fuel quality standards for neat paraffinic diesel and paraffinic/mineral diesel blends.

Renewable diesel can already be legally supplied in Australia provided it meets all the parameters in the Fuel Quality Standards (Automotive Diesel) Determination 2019 (diesel standard). However, as neat (or pure) renewable diesel does not meet the minimum density specification in the diesel standard, suppliers must apply for an approval (under section 13 of the FQS Act) to allow them to sell neat and high percentage blends of renewable diesel.

If you are interested in HVIA’s work on either of these topics, please reach out to Adele Lausberg: a.lausberg@hvia.asn.au.