Two major trucking decarbonisation projects hit key milestones over the past few weeks, both of which seek to prove up the business model for the electrification of the freight transport industry.
Firstly, logistics company Centurion unveiled a project to operate 30 Mercedes-Benz eActros trucks as part of an Australian-first battery electric vehicle fleet powered entirely by off-grid renewable energy.
More recently, Team Global Express (TGE) officially unveiled Australia’s largest logistics electric vehicle fleet trial, following the arrival of 43 out of 60 brand-new electric trucks ordered for its depot in Bungarribee, NSW.
Both projects are part funded by the Federal Government’s Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) Future Fuels Program, which is contributing $15.8 million toward Centurion’s $29 million project and half of TGE’s $44.3 million investment.
Centurion
By the end of 2024, Centurion’s fleet of eActros trucks will be fully powered by four megawatts of rooftop solar generation and off-grid battery energy storage, using 15 dual-port chargers at Centurion’s depot in Hazelmere, WA.
CEO Justin Cardaci says the project represents a significant step in its decarbonisation journey as it continues its work towards an operational future with net-zero emissions.
Centurion CEO Justin Cardaci and Daimler Truck Australia Pacific President/CEO Daniel Whitehead
“Centurion actively seeks to deploy technology where it’s ready to displace the diesel transport equivalent and the ARENA funding certainly helps support the project’s economics,” he says.
“For most of our operations, the zero-emissions heavy transport technology won’t be ready for several years. However, battery-electric trucks are now ready for operations across the wider metropolitan area and it’s great that Centurion has the capacity to bring this technology into our fleet.
“The eActros can carry heavy loads and has a range of over 300km, making it the perfect choice for Centurion.
“Operating a real zero emissions Mercedes-Benz eActros truck fleet from off grid solar and battery is a significant step in supporting the energy transition.”
Daimler Truck Australia Pacific President and CEO, Daniel Whitehead, says the Centurion project follows a pattern of innovation at the company and applauds Cardaci for his leadership.
Centurion has long been focused on reducing emissions and has been running the most fuel-efficient trucks that meet or exceed Euro 6 standards.
“Sustainability leadership is often talked about but rarely proven in this industry. Justin and the team at Centurion are true believers in making our world more sustainable; they are not just in it for a green headline,” says Whitehead, pictured above with Cardaci.
“This remarkable off-grid eActros project is truly inspiring, but Centurion has long been focused on reducing emissions and has been running the most fuel-efficient trucks that meet or exceed Euro 6 emission standards from Freightliner and Mercedes-Benz for many years, well before the standards are regulated.
“I applaud Centurion’s determination to make a difference and its commitment to lead the Australian transport industry on a path to a more sustainable future.”
Team Global Express
Earlier this month TGE unveiled Australia’s largest logistics electric vehicle fleet trial, following the arrival of brand-new electric trucks at its depot in Bungarribee, NSW.
To date, 43 out of the 60 ordered trucks have arrived at the depot which will roll out across the streets of Western Sydney. The company will receive 36 Volvo eFLs and 24 Daimler Fuso eCanters in total to facilitate the five-year trial.
Volvo Global CEO Martin Lundstedt joined Team Global Express executives at the launch
The ground-breaking trial, in partnership with ARENA, will see Team Global Express replace a third of its Western Sydney fleet with a total of 60 electric trucks to deliver parcels to customers around the metropolitan Sydney area.
Over the past 12 months, the company has transformed its Bungarribee facility into ‘The Depot of the Future’ to house the vital infrastructure required to service the all-new electric vehicles.
The depot upgrade included the construction of charging infrastructure and a battery storage system, which utilises 400kW of solar energy from on-site panels.
The installed one-megawatt battery energy storage system (BESS) will enhance the depot’s renewable power capacity and reduce Team Global Express’ reliance on grid power. TGE was able to save $7,300 of energy costs in the first hour of the BESS system being turned on.
CEO Christine Holgate says transport accounts for 19 per cent of all emissions in Australia and this trial represents an important step towards addressing the emissions intensity of the sector.
We are delighted to unveil TGE’s ‘Depot of the Future’ and begin servicing the Western Sydney community with deliveries driven by electric vehicles.
“Team Global Express is proud to roll out an electric vehicle trial of this scale and support our industry and country’s renewable energy transition ambitions.
“As part of our partnership with ARENA, we will be sharing the knowledge we gain from the trial with other industry providers to benefit the entire sector,” she says.
TGE’s Director of ESG, Heather Bone, adds that Western Sydney was chosen for its strategic location to urban distribution areas, allowing for the trucks to increase their own energy via regenerative braking.
“We are delighted to unveil Team Global Express’ ‘Depot of the Future’ and begin servicing the Western Sydney community with deliveries driven by electric vehicles.
“Bungarribee now houses advanced charging infrastructure fuelled by solar energy, enabling our new trucks to be recharged and back on the streets in as little as two hours if required,” says Bone, who will share further details of the project at TruckShowX, Australia’s largest transport decarbonisation event. See here for more information.
TGE has received 43 out of the 60 ordered trucks, which include 36 Volvo eFLs and 24 Fuso eCanters
To celebrate the roll out of the fleet, Volvo’s Global CEO Martin Lundstedt joined Team Global Express executives at the Bungarribee depot – along with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen.
“It is a privilege to witness projects such as this come to life around the globe and I’m very happy to be here in person to see this site in operation,” says Lundstedt.
“Partnerships like the one we have with Team Global Express are vital as the world continues on its zero-emissions journey.
“I congratulate all involved for their dedication towards making our cities a better place to live and for taking a positive step towards the future of our planet.”
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