Models such as the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series, Ram 1500 and Ford Transit may no longer enjoy exemption from Australia's fresh vehicle emissions rules if a suggested update takes hold.

At present vehicles exceeding 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass sit outside the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard introduced nationwide in 2025.

Public comment on extending coverage to vehicles between 3.5 and 3.855 tonnes closes on July 20 2026.

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The Ram 1500 sits just over the line at 3505 kg while the Toyota Tundra reaches 3536 kg yet the Ford F-150 stays inside current NVES scope with a maximum GVM of 3360 kg and the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 at 3300 kg.

Several manufacturers with affected models were approached for comment yet chose not to speak on the record.

The NVES caps average CO2 output for each brand with limits tightening yearly through 2029.

Brands exceeding those caps face fines beginning at $50 per gram over the threshold and the first compliance period ending February 2026 left 19 marques liable for penalties.

Original policy design aimed to fold in vehicles from 3.5 to 4.5 tonnes when used in place of passenger cars but the absence of suitable CO2 test procedures under the ADRs kept them out until now.

With ADR 114/00 taking effect in May 2026 makers can certify models in the 3.5 to 3.855 tonne band allowing inclusion in NVES calculations from July 2027 if the change proceeds.

Any vehicles delivered before June 30 2027 would stay exempt from brand level calculations.

Further work continues on vehicles above 3.855 tonnes including vans such as the Renault Master and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter which remain outside NVES scope until the end of 2029.

In the opening reporting window Mazda Australia recorded the largest penalty total while zero tailpipe emission brands Tesla and Polestar earned credits available for sale to other makers.

MORE: Mazda Australia notes it will not stand alone in facing the impact of fresh emissions penalties