MELBOURNE freight routes will soon have access to a dedicated electric truck charging hub thanks to an innovative project backed by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
Some $12.3m is to go to Mondo Power (Mondo) to develop, build and operate an electric truck charging hub in Melbourne’s west to show the technical and commercial feasibility for fleets to electrify their operations.
ARENA chief executive Darren Miller said the project underscored ARENA’s commitment to decarbonisation across the heavy transport sector.
“Through Mondo’s project, we’ll be able to highlight to the heavy transport sector how electrification can be integrated into their existing business models and drive down the high emissions from transporting goods on our roads,” Mr Miller said.
“Transport plays a vital role in Australia’s economy and contributes around 22% of emissions. By backing first of kind innovation like this, we can accelerate the sector’s adoption of clean technologies and bring us closer to our net zero goals.”
Positioned in Laverton North, the hub is to consist of 14 dual plug electric vehicle chargers and is to be purpose built for heavy battery electric vehicle (BEV) trucks.
The funding is to support the installation of truck charging infrastructure, as well as partly offset the total cost of ownership for 20 heavy BEV trucks.
The charging hub membership is to include access to the charging hub, set pricing for charging, amenities and driver vehicle parking options.
AusNet chief development officer Jon D’Sylva said this was a first-of-its-kind facility in Australia.
“This project marks a major step towards a more sustainable and efficient transport network for Australia,” Mr D’Sylva said.
“Delivering Australia’s clean energy transition is not just about replacing coal-fired power with renewable generation,” he said.
“We need to look holistically across a range of sectors, including transport, at the opportunities to decarbonise and this is just one example of that.”
The funding is being delivered by the Driving the Nation Program.
Chief executive of the Australian Logistics Council, Hermione Parsons, said they supported efforts to accelerate the decarbonisation of the industry, identified as a priority in the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy.
“Freight contributes around 10% of Australia’s emissions, and meeting net zero targets will require coordinated investment in technology, infrastructure and policy to support low and zero-emission freight options,” Dr Parsons said.
“Industry, governments and infrastructure providers must work together to ensure the right solutions are deployed in the right places, supported by clear regulatory settings and investment confidence.”
Dr Parsons said the ALC continued to work closely with the Commonwealth to progress the actions in the NFSCS Action Plan, including initiatives promoting uptake of zero-emission vehicles and building the enabling infrastructure required along key freight corridors.