ELECTRIFYING Australia’s heavy freight fleet could happen faster and at significantly lower cost than widely assumed, research maintains.
Australia currently has more than 128,000 articulated heavy trucks operating across the national freight network.
New analysis suggests Australia’s heavy freight fleet could theoretically transition to electric power within around five years, far faster than traditional fleet replacement cycles.
The analysis was conducted by Janus Electric and examines how heavy truck engine conversion technology could accelerate the electrification of Australia’s freight sector.
Janus analysis suggests electrifying Australia’s heavy freight fleet could free up as much as 10 billion litres of diesel fuel per year.
Janus Electric chief executive Ben Hutt said the insights challenged common assumptions about how quickly heavy freight could transition to electric power.
“Electrifying heavy freight is often assumed to require replacing entire fleets of trucks, which would take decades and be prohibitively expensive,” Mr Hutt said.
“What this analysis shows is that if trucks were converted when diesel engines reach their normal replacement cycle, the transition could occur far faster and at significantly lower cost than many people expect.”
According to Janus, electrifying freight would also reduce Australia’s exposure to global oil markets.
It noted recent oil price volatility linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East had highlighted the risks associated with Australia’s dependence on imported fuel.
Reducing freight sector diesel consumption could help stabilise freight costs while strengthening supply chain resilience.
Mr Hutt said the combination of energy security benefits, cost savings and emissions reductions created a strong case for accelerating freight electrification.
“The technology exists, the economic case is proven, and the strategic imperative is clear,” he said.
“With the right policy settings, Australia could accelerate the transition and significantly reduce its reliance on imported diesel.”
Janus Electric has identified three policy initiatives that could accelerate the transition: