The latest Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) and alternative fuel technology will be key talking points at the upcoming Victorian Transport Association (VTA) State Conference.
Held at Phillip Island’s Silverwater Resort, 20-22 March, the event will provide a forum to discuss the role of alternative energy in the transport industry.
As VTA CEO Peter Anderson announced the speakers and program highlights for the Conference, he was hopeful the weekend would advance industry knowledge in environmentally friendly technology.
“With the proliferation of alternative fuels and zero emission vehicles (ZEV) in Australia and around the world, the way in which the freight and logistics sector embraces this technology – by choice or regulation – is fast becoming a hot-button issue,” he said.
The program includes a focused session on Fuels of the Future, where delegates can hear from zero emission freight vehicle manufacturers Volvo Group Australia and Hyzon Motors on the latest ZEV developments.
Viva Energy Australia and Lochard Energy will also present on the role of hydrogen and other alternative energy in the future of the transport industry, as well as imparting thoughts on their role in a sustainable and lower-emitting freight industry.
Also presenting is electric vehicle charging manufacturer GET Electric which will discuss electric vehicles and the importance of preparing operations for a future global electric vehicle boom.
The VTA’s Conference line-up announcement comes as Arcadis global president of mobility Greg Steele said last November only one per cent of vehicles in Australia are electric, and that only 20 to 30 electric vehicle models were available for purchase, despite there being more than 400 models available globally.
Anderson is confident the State Conference can encourage people and companies to invest in the new wave of electric and zero-emission vehicle technology.
“The transport industry has a proven track record of embracing new technologies and ways of doing business that benefits communities we serve,” he said.
The State Conference is also designed to impart the importance of considering eco-conscious options for freight operations.
“Incorporating vehicles that emit fewer greenhouse gases will be an important consideration for every freight operator, particularly in the current climate of an exponentially growing freight task, and a political and regulatory environment focussed on reducing our reliance on fossil fuels for energy,” said Anderson.
Although alternative energy is a key discussion point at the 2022 State Conference, the VTA’s main event will also focus on skills, training and education, industrial relations, people and safety, and technology and infrastructure under the conference theme of Attaining Post Pandemic Supply Chain Certainty.
Buchholz is also among the dignitaries attending State Conference 2022.