Back in 2023 we wrote about the gradual shift toward electric trucks and the role they could play in reducing emissions across Australia’s freight sector. At the time, the discussion was largely framed around environmental goals and the slow pace of government policy. Today, the conversation has taken on a new urgency.
The recent escalation of conflict in the Middle East — and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz — has once again exposed how vulnerable global supply chains are to disruptions in oil supply. For Australia, which imports the majority of its refined fuel, the implications are significant. Diesel price volatility flows directly into transport costs, affecting everything from long-haul trucking to the short-distance container movements that keep ports functioning efficiently.
For importers and exporters, this is particularly relevant. Nearly every international shipment relies on trucks at both ends of the journey. Containers arriving at port must be delivered to warehouses and factories, while export cargo must be collected and transported to container terminals. If diesel prices spike or supply tightens, those essential links in the supply chain become more expensive and less predictable.
Electric trucks offer a potential way to reduce that vulnerability.
When we first discussed the issue three years ago, one of the main challenges was limited model availability and slow policy development. While Australia’s National Electric Vehicle Strategy focused largely on passenger cars, heavy vehicles were often left on the sidelines. In the meantime, private industry has been driving much of the progress.
Companies such as Janus Electric have developed systems that convert existing diesel prime movers into electric vehicles using modular battery packs that can be swapped in minutes. This approach allows fleets to electrify without waiting for entirely new trucks to enter the market.
At the same time, international manufacturers are rapidly improving performance. Recent demonstrations by emerging electric freight operators have shown heavy trucks capable of hauling full payloads over several hundred kilometres on a single charge. Advances in battery technology and fast-charging infrastructure are steadily extending the practical range for many freight tasks.
For many Australian freight movements, particularly the short-haul container transfers between ports and nearby distribution centres, range is already less of a barrier than it once was. Port precinct operations often involve predictable routes and regular return trips, making them well suited to electric vehicle deployment.
Another advantage is cost stability. Electric trucks rely on electricity rather than imported liquid fuels. While energy prices can fluctuate, they are generally less exposed to geopolitical shocks than oil markets. Australia also has a growing supply of renewable energy, which could eventually power freight transport with domestically produced electricity rather than imported diesel.
This does not mean diesel trucks will disappear overnight. Australia’s freight network is vast, and many long-distance routes will continue to rely on conventional vehicles for some time. Infrastructure development, charging networks and vehicle availability will all influence how quickly the transition unfolds.
But the direction of travel is becoming clearer.
Electric trucks are no longer just a future concept or a niche environmental initiative. They are increasingly being seen as part of a broader strategy for energy security, cost control and supply chain resilience. In a world where geopolitical events can disrupt oil markets overnight, the ability to power freight transport from domestic energy sources is becoming a strategic advantage.
For businesses involved in international trade, this matters more than ever. Reliable road transport between ports and premises is essential to keeping goods moving efficiently through the supply chain. As the freight industry explores new technologies and operating models, electric trucks may soon become a more common sight in port precincts and logistics corridors across Australia.
At Colless Young, we continue to monitor developments across the transport sector to ensure our clients’ cargo moves smoothly between shipping terminals and final destinations. If you would like to discuss road transport arrangements for your import or export shipments, please contact Andrew on +61 7 3890 0800 or email enq@collessyoung.com.au.
