More electric trucks will be rolling out onto Sydney streets within weeks, following the completion of Janus Electric’s first solar-powered Charge and Change Station at the Moorebank Intermodal Precinct.
The cutting-edge facility gives electric trucks, produced by Janus Electric on the Central Coast, the ability to swap the 2 metre by 1.2 metre batteries for fully charged batteries, and head off on their run.
The quick swap takes just four minutes – less time than it takes to refuel. A truck with a single trailer can generally travel between 300 to 400km on a single battery, with battery swapping stations strategically located, to keep trucks on the move.
It’s the first facility of its kind to be built at an intermodal terminal where freight is swapped between roads and rail. There are eight other Charge and Change stations across Australia, with more on the way.
Janus Electric’s battery-swapping technology allows for the batteries to be powered by rooftop solar energy, minimising wait times for drivers and ready to be picked up by the next electric truck to visit the Charge and Change Station.
The investment in the new facility follows the NSW Government’s introduction of the Towards Net Zero Emissions Freight Policy which outlines Government and industry actions that will reduce the carbon footprint of heavy vehicles and rail freight.
A key step in delivering the policy, extra-mass provisions for access to state roads, means electric trucks – like trucks from Janus Electric – can be used across the state without sacrificing cargo quantities.
New modelling shows freight transport and logistics contributed an estimated $74.3 billion to NSW in 2022-23, with the sector predicted to grow to an estimated $131.5 billion by 2060-61.
The freight transport and logistics sector provides more than 330,000 full time jobs, a number which could grow as high as 565,000 by 2060-61.
As the freight sector continues to grow, the NSW Government will keep working with industry to ensure it embraces new technology to continue growing sustainably.
Minister for Transport, Jo Haylen said:
“Freight demand is projected to rise by 34 per cent across NSW from 2021 to 2061. We’re going to need more capacity, not less, which is why we’re working on a plan with the freight industry to get us to net zero.
“Many freight operators are natural innovators and are already investing in low emission technologies.
“The NSW Government’s Zero Emissions Freight Policy means that the government is supporting industry and helping them invest in new and exciting technologies across the state and at key freight centres like Moorebank.”
Janus Electric CEO Lex Forsyth said:
“Launching this solar-powered Charge and Change Station is a crucial step towards a cleaner, greener future for Australia’s transport sector.
“Janus Electric is at the forefront of electric vehicle innovation in Australia, offering cutting-edge solutions to help reduce carbon emissions in the heavy transport industry. Our Charge and Change Stations enable quick battery swaps for electric trucks, providing a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional refuelling methods.”
Simon Carter, Head of ESG for the Precinct’s developer, ESR Australia & NZ said:
“We are thrilled to support the launch of the Janus Electric Charge and Change Station at Moorebank Intermodal Precinct, a transformative step for Australia’s heavy vehicle transport sector.
“By facilitating battery swapping technology for electric trucks, we’re serving net zero ambitions and setting a new standard in sustainable freight transport.”