PBS 2.0

The PBS 2.0 Project intends to comprehensively review the Performance Based Standards (PBS) scheme and provide options on how to incentivise industry uptake, accelerate growth in the PBS scheme, and enable continued fleet innovation.

Consultation

In late 2022, the NHVR released the Performance Based Standards 2.0 Discussion Paper, presenting our vision for the future of the PBS scheme to ensure it continues to lead and promote innovation in the Australian heavy vehicle industry efficiently and effectively.

The discussion paper explores opportunities to promote innovative approaches to heavy vehicle safety and productivity, while reducing regulatory, administrative and cost barriers for the NHVR and its stakeholders.

The NHVR’s preferred option presented in the discussion paper comprises 3 key components that will:

  1. ensure PBS vehicles remain at the forefront of innovation through the dynamic management of PBS Standards
  2. create a lifecycle for a PBS vehicle from initial concept through to exit from the PBS scheme for common and mature design concepts
  3. expedite end-to-end approval processes through opportunities for third parties – such as, assessors, certifiers and manufacturers – to support delivery of regulatory functions.

Consultation on the discussion paper closed on Friday 17 February 2023. Feedback/submissions will be considered and assessed with next steps being advised in the second quarter of 2023.

Background

The industry has told us that because of the regulatory and administrative burden, innovation has stagnated, access continues to be an issue, and there is no path for PBS vehicles to exit the PBS scheme into the as-of-right fleet. Further, if the PBS scheme’s growth continues at the current trajectory, without procedural and operational improvements there will be a huge strain on the NHVR and industry.

To address these concerns we completed a holistic review of the PBS scheme, with consideration given to a broad range of opportunities. The discussion paper places our preferred option for PBS within a broader range of opportunities, for consultation with stakeholders.