Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA) has this week released its draft guidelines for powered trailers, as it works towards facilitating on-road trials of the technology,
The guidelines were drafted throughout the second half of 2024 and were extensively guided by HVIA’s own ‘Powered Trailers’ working group, which covers a broad cross-section of HVIA’s membership base.
These draft guidelines, which can be viewed here, have now been released to government stakeholders and the wider industry for consultation.
HVIA’s Chief Technical Officer Adam Ritzinger says the decarbonisation of road freight transport is a global challenge. “In response, industries in many countries are researching, developing and trialling innovative low- and zero-emissions vehicle technologies, including powered axles for trailing equipment.
“The eventual degree to which each can contribute to the overall goal of net zero is unknown. Presently, there is no ‘silver bullet’. Every potential solution holds merit, and different transport sectors and operations, driven by their unique requirements, are likely to favour different decarbonisation solutions.
“This is why it is imperative that in the immediate term, every available road freight decarbonisation technology is afforded the chance to demonstrate its potential contribution, and our guidelines can facilitate that.”
HVIA says the aim of the guidelines is as a starting point for discussions regarding on-road trials.
“It is hoped they will be used to guide negotiations between road managers, regulators and the industry, so they can collaboratively design an approach that ensures the safe, efficient and productive on-road trials of powered axle technology,” HVIA said.
HVIA is currently seeking feedback on the draft guidelines, until COB Friday May 2, 2025. To share your views or comments, email Adam Ritzinger at a.ritzinger@hvia.asn.au.