Rising diesel costs push trucking firms toward electric fleets

A push for electric trucks is gaining momentum as rising diesel costs threaten transport businesses. Shirley Saywell, a trucking company owner, warns that soaring fuel prices could force her to shut down operations. Meanwhile, industry leaders and governments are now backing measures to speed up the shift to cleaner heavy vehicles. Diesel prices have surged by $400 to $500 per truck each day over the past month. Saywell, who runs a fleet of diesel trucks, fears her business may no longer be viable due to unaffordable or scarce fuel. She wants to switch to electric models for both cost savings and lower emissions.

New Energy Transport has already taken steps by opening a Sydney depot for electric prime movers. The site aims to create a low-emissions freight route. In 2025, the company also completed Australia's longest electric truck delivery on a single charge. Janus Electric offers another solution: upgrade kits to convert diesel trucks into electric ones. Their technology allows fleets to retrofit existing vehicles instead of buying new ones. At the same time, the Victorian government is providing grants of up to $300,000 to help businesses invest in electric trucks and charging infrastructure. Support is growing beyond individual efforts. Twenty-two organisations have signed a joint letter urging the federal government to accelerate electric truck adoption. They argue that without urgent action, transport emissions—which are set to rise in the coming decade—will remain a major challenge.

The shift to electric trucks could cut emissions while offering businesses more stable operating costs. With grants now available and conversion kits on the market, the transition is becoming more feasible. However, broader government support will be key to making electric freight widespread across Australia.