Roadmap targets critical gaps in the shift to connected, automated and electric vehicles

Monday, 9 November 2026

Austroads has identified 24 priority areas across connected, automated and electric vehicle technologies, providing a clearer evidence base to guide future work and help road agencies maximise their potential benefits.

Drawing on Australian and international research alongside consultation with more than 40 government representatives and experts from 20 industry organisations, the findings informed proposed priority actions for the Austroads Vehicles and Technology program.

A key project deliverable is a navigable PDF diagram that maps connections between previous Austroads research, current projects and proposed future activities across the three technology areas, allowing users to explore how the work has developed and where gaps remain.

Joanne Vanselow, Austroads’ Vehicles and Technology Program Manager, said: “There is no single pathway for connected, automated and electric vehicle technologies. Each is at a different stage of development and deployment, and each raises different questions for road agencies. This research helps us understand those differences and take a more targeted approach to what comes next.”

For connectivity, the research found C-ITS deployment remains low internationally and has not commenced locally at scale. High deployment costs, uncertainty about future vehicle uptake and a lack of clear and defensible benefits analysis are significant barriers to investment. Proposed actions include developing an evidence base for C-ITS in Australia and New Zealand and investigating nationally harmonised data exchange between transport agencies and industry.

A significant finding for automation is that major changes to physical road design are not currently considered a pressing need. Industry is not asking agencies to redesign roads for automated vehicles, while maintaining infrastructure to appropriate and consistent standards benefits automated and assisted driving systems as well as other road users. More immediate issues include the developing automated vehicle regulatory framework, in-service updates to advanced driver assistance systems, vehicle maintenance and repair, and driver education.

For electrification, the research highlights access to reliable public charging, particularly in regional and remote areas and locations without off-street parking. It also identifies inconsistent road access arrangements for heavy battery electric vehicles, emergency response requirements and the lack of established processes for repurposing or recycling electric vehicle batteries.

Looking ahead, Joanne Vanselow said: “The roadmap gives us a clear picture of where we are now and what may need to come next. By connecting previous research with current and potential future activities, we can plan our work while continuing to respond to changes in technology, regulation and the evidence.”

The interactive roadmap is included in the report and available as a standalone document, allowing users to explore subcategories and follow the connections between past research, current projects and potential future work.

The proposed actions are not commitments to particular technologies or infrastructure investments. They identify areas where further research, coordination, monitoring or exploration may be required to support informed decision-making by Austroads members.

Download Stocktake and Roadmap for Vehicle Technology Deployments.