Australian Electric Vehicle Association (AEVA), Media Release, 21 April 2023

The Australian Electric Vehicle Association (AEVA) has criticised the inclusion of ‘hydrogen highways’ in the National Electric Vehicle Strategy as outdated and inefficient.

The Federal Government wants to establish hydrogen refueling networks for key freight routes, claiming potential benefits for long-distance freight transport.

But according to AEVA, this strategy is already out of date.

The President of AEVA, Dr Chris Jones, said that the recent emergence of rapid battery-swapping services, combined with the conversion of heavy trucks from diesel to electric power, have eliminated any potential benefit for hydrogen in the long-distance freight sector.

“The Federal Government needs to study the model developed by the likes of Janus Electric (a company based on the NSW Central Coast) before investing in hydrogen refueling networks.’ Dr Jones said.

‘Hydrogen has significant value as a chemical feedstock and reducing agent for iron and other valuable metals. While hydrogen may have a role to play in international shipping or aviation, it’s simply too energy inefficient to serve a useful role in land transport.

‘Instead, AEVA wants to see the Federal Government provide investment support for the conversion of heavy vehicles to electric drive, and for more freight to be moved on rail – preferably electrified – instead.’