The Department of Infrastructure has released a discussion paper on the best way to record the maximum power output of vehicles in the RAV Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV).
The discussion paper is available here: RAV Power Definition and Motive Power discussion paper.
With the growth of hybrid power trains, the Department is looking to revise the definitions of the power descriptors within the RAV, update the definitions for measurement of propulsion system power, and add a requirement to load relevant details on the RAV.
The key questions raised in the paper are whether there is a preference for using GTR 21 or SAE J2908 202301 as the preferred standard for measurement of the power output and whether the proposed motive power descriptors adequately capture current and emerging vehicle propulsion technologies.
With growth of hybrid power trains, the DoI is looking to revise power descriptor definitions in RAV, update definitions for measurement of propulsion system power, and add a requirement to load relevant details on RAV
In the short term, the proposed standards only deal with light vehicles. Therefore, at this stage the proposed entry of the power details on the RAV would not be required for heavy vehicles but it is possible that this could be extended to heavy vehicles as the standards are developed further.
Subject to finalisation of the proposal, implementation of the new RAV requirements would commence on July 1, 2025 to coincide with the introduction of the National Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES).
HVIA encourages any members who manufacture or distribute these types of vehicles to read the discussion paper and provide any comments to Transport Policy and Legislation Adviser Greg Forbes at g.forbes@hvia.asn.au.
HVIA will provide a formal response to the discussion paper prior to the consultation period closing on December 20, 2024.