The Victorian Allan Labor government has joined a global initiative committed to enabling 100 per cent zero-emission new truck and bus sales by 2040.
The Drive to Zero program, created by clean transportation accelerator Calstart, which has been working since 1992 to accelerate the decarbonisation of commercial vehicles through global partnerships, policy advocacy, innovative tools, and the development and promotion of groundbreaking technologies and business models.
By committing to the 47-page MoU, Victoria joins a range of national and subnational governments as well as manufacturers, finance institutions, fleet owners and operators, and utility and infrastructure providers, all of whom have committed to work together to decarbonise the freight sector and reduce transport emissions.
“Freight demand will more than double by 2050 – so we must act now by shifting to rail and backing cleaner transport,” said Horne.
“This endorsement links Victoria to a global push to cut emissions and halve them by 2030.”
The MoU has currently been endorsed by 43 countries – including New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States – as well as 295 subnational entities, including the government of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
Under the MoU, signatories commit to working together to enable 100 per cent zero-emission new truck and bus sales by 2040, with an interim goal of 30 per cent zero emission vehicle sales by 2030.
Michael Berube, Calstart CEO, said subnational governments like Victoria are critical in accelerating zero-emission trucks and buses.
“This endorsement connects Victoria to a global network and will help jointly reduce transport emissions, enhance fuel resilience, and support faster adoption of zero-emission vans, trucks and buses,” he said.
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Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.