Transport in Australia equates to a significant proportion (approximately 18%) of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Due to ongoing population growth, these emissions have been steadily rising with the increase of cars on our roads and freight trucks in transit. The transport fuel supply chain is highly reliant on overseas sources – Australia currently imports 90% of its liquid fuel.
The Australian Federal Government has declared, Clean Hydrogen as a priority technology for Australia to reach zero emissions.
Why Hydrogen Vehicles
The advantages of hydrogen powered vehicles compared to battery electric vehicles are faster refuelling times and the ability to travel longer distances carrying larger loads before refuelling.
When used as a fuel, hydrogen’s only by-product is water. There are no carbon emissions.
Governments have a shared vision of hydrogen being a clean, cost competitive fuel option for Australian transport, in particular for heavy-duty and long-range transport applications.
Why Battery Electric Vehicles
Hydrogen powered vehicles is still in its infancy and for Australia to achieve zero emissions, the trusted technology of battery electric vehicles needs to be used. BEV are currently also more competitively priced than hydrogen powered vehicles.
Environmental/Health Benefits
Both Hydrogen and BEV have extensive environmental and health benefits:
- Eliminate the nitrous oxides, sulfur oxides and particulate pollution associated with burning fossil fuels.
- Improved air quality which helps reduce a range of respiratory ailments, cancers, and the health costs associated with them.
- Minimal noise. For people living on bus and truck routes, this benefit is significantly life changing
