Feedback from industry will ensure emissions testing for vehicles up to 4.5 tonnes is fit-for-purpose.
The New Vehicle Efficiency Standard Act 2024 (NVES Act) commences on 1 January 2025 and applies to new vehicles up to 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass (GVM).
We are consulting on a new series of Australian Design Rule 81 (ADR 81), which currently only applies to vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes GVM. The proposed new series will ensure certain vehicles between 3.5 and 4.5 tonnes are captured within the NVES.
Under the proposed changes, the new series of ADR 81 will require manufacturers of utes and SUVs over 3.5 tonnes GVM to update their vehicle type approvals to include a carbon dioxide (CO2) test to ensure these vehicles can comply with the NVES as soon as practically possible.
The Australian Government recently determined by legislative instrument to exempt vehicles that cannot practically comply with the NVES until 2029, unless a CO2 test is specified.
Compliance with the NVES is based on a vehicle’s CO2 number which is determined in accordance with ADR 81. The revision will enable utes and SUVs between 3.5 and 4.5 tonnes GVM to be included in the NVES.
We’re seeking input from interested stakeholders to help inform the revised ADR 81 by 11:59pm (AEDT) on Wednesday 5 February 2025.
To make a submission visit our Have your say page.