Australia funds first shared truck charging hub
The funding is paid to Mondo Power to develop, build and operate the country’s first shared truck charging hub. Located in Melbourne’s western freight precinct, the project is designed to demonstrate both the technical and commercial viability of electrifying heavy vehicle operations.
The Laverton North hub will be purpose-built for heavy battery-electric trucks, equipped with 14 dual plug electric vehicle chargers. The exact charging power is not mentioned at this time. The funding will support not only the installation of charging infrastructure but also help offset the total cost of ownership for 20 heavy electric trucks.
Mondo plans to partner with truck manufacturers to supply vehicles to fleet and logistics operators, while also offering technical support, trials and long-haul demonstrations. The company will also establish charging service agreements to provide hub members with site access and high-speed charging. Membership packages will include access to the facility, set pricing, driver amenities and vehicle parking options.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller said the project highlights the agency’s role in backing innovation for the freight industry. “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,” he 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.”
AusNet Chief Development Officer Jon D’Sylva emphasised the significance of the initiative: “This is a first-of-its-kind facility in Australia, providing essential charging infrastructure for heavy vehicles, supporting the transition to zero-emission freight and reducing pollution in Melbourne’s inner west.”
He added: “Delivering Australia’s clean energy transition is not just about replacing coal-fired power with renewable generation. 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.”
0 Comments