The truck dimension rules must be changed to make zero and low emission trucks more available, the ATA’s submission on heavy vehicle emission standards says.

The submission recommends increased width and mass for diesel trucks that meet the Euro VI emission standard or equivalents, as well as electric and hydrogen trucks.

The submission argues that the Euro VI emission standard or the equivalent US/Japanese standards should be mandated for new truck models from 1 January 2024 and for new trucks generally from 1 January 2025.

The Government’s regulatory impact statement proposes to mandate Euro VI or its equivalents for new truck models from 1 July 2027 and for new trucks from 1 July 2028.

After extensive consultation with its members, though, the ATA considers that Euro VI and its equivalent standards can be mandated earlier than originally planned, but the mass and width changes must come into force well in advance of 1 January 2024.

The Euro series of standards regulate the emission of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and particulates by on-road heavy diesel vehicles. All new trucks sold in Australia must, as a minimum, meet the Euro V standard or the equivalent US/Japanese standards.