Hydrogen could do the heavy lifting on Aussie roads

But they said electric trucks would also play a role in lowering transport emissions, becoming responsible for many shorter deliveries from supermarkets and retailers. 

Foton Mobility Distribution chief executive Neil Wang said Australian companies were increasingly interested in cutting their transport emissions but heavy-duty, long-haul freight would rely on hydrogen technology.

While hydrogen-powered heavy trucks were still in development, he said their ability to be refuelled quickly would set them apart from battery-powered options. 

"If you want to drive a truck from (Sydney) to Brisbane or to Melbourne, you can't afford to stop in the middle of the trip and charge for several hours," he said. 

"Hydrogen gives you quick refuelling time and long driving distances."

Hydrogen-powered buses would prove popular in Australia for similar reasons, Mr Wang said, and refuelling stations could be established at existing bus depots without significant infrastructure. 

Foton Mobility has provided two hydrogen buses for a South Australian government trial and has delivered three to Tasmania.

Meanwhile, Woolworths has ordered another 16 of the company's electric trucks.

But Mr Wang said other companies might need government subsidies to adopt low-emission trucks due to their higher prices, and the industry would need further changes to weight restrictions to ensure the trucks could access the entire country.

Changes at federal and state level, including in Queensland, Victoria, NSW and South Australia, have allowed heavier electric trucks on some roads, although some were under trial. 

Low-emission heavy-duty trucks were also raised as an issue at the Transition to Electric Vehicle inquiry this month, with Heavy Vehicle Industry Association chief advocacy officer Adele Lausberg telling MPs businesses were eager to adopt the technology but needed financial and regulatory help.