Member Update: LZEV Axle Mass Limit Increases

HVIA is continuing its important advocacy work with the Australian states that have announced axle mass limit increases for next-generation low and zero emission heavy vehicles in trials and other initiatives – and recently received an update on details of the South Australian scheme.

Previously, HVIA has called for consistency on mass limit increases and scheme conditions, and is currently working with representatives from South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland to better understand each of their separate schemes, and how industry can best work within those schemes.

Naturally, increased axle load limits for low- and zero-emissions heavy vehicles are welcomed. Industry has long highlighted the need for increases and advocated extensively for reforms.

However, differences between the individual schemes place industry in a difficult position, having to simultaneously manage complex requirements that differ across state borders.

This week, HVIA staff received an update from the Department for Infrastructure and Transport in South Australia regarding its scheme, which was previously reported by HVIA in late 2023. The updates included:

• Assurance that rigid vehicles and vehicles with other axle configurations not shown in the online policy are still eligible to apply for the scheme, but may require additional infrastructure assessments to be completed by the Department;
• Confirmation that interested persons should apply to the NHVR using the normal permit application process, selecting ‘Class 3’ (miscellaneous) permit, available via this link; and
• Advice that the required ‘Incident Response Management Plans’ should identify the relevant information for emergency responders who may deal with on-road incidents involving permit vehicles.

Over the coming weeks, HVIA staff have separate meetings with representatives from Transport for New South Wales and Queensland (which recently paved the way for electric heavy vehicles with steer axle masses of up to eight tonnes such as the Volvo FH Electric pictured above to operate on state-controlled highways in the south-east corner of the state), and will provide updates for members following those discussions.

If any members have queries or would like any specific points raised in the upcoming meetings, please contact Adam Ritzinger on a.ritzinger@hvia.asn.au or Adele Lausberg at a.lausberg@hvia.asn.au.

Please note: When referring to low and zero emission vehicles, we are referring to tailpipe emissions, rather than the manufacturing or charging/refuelling process.