A trip spanning 460km has marked Australia’s first end-to-end all-electric freight delivery, with a load of consumer products transported from Sydney to Canberra.
This saw an all-electric Windrose prime mover achieve an 84 per cent reduction in energy costs from a diesel prime mover travelling on the same route, with the trip completed on a single charge and 25 minutes faster than a diesel truck.
The electric prime mover maintained high speeds across all sections of the route, including the steep Skyline and Governess hills near Goulburn, where diesel trucks typically slow to a crawl.
The delivery was made possible by zero-emission trucking company New Energy Transport (NET) alongside partners ANC and Who Gives A Crap, with ANC carrying out the last-mile transport of goods to consumers on March 25.
“This delivery ushers in a new era for Australian road freight where electric heavy trucks are not just cheaper and faster, they unshackle Australia from volatile global oil markets, dramatically strengthening our supply chain resilience,” NET co-chief executive officer Daniel Bleakley said.
Bleakley said Australia must act to “decouple from diesel”, supported by government investment in charging infrastructure and targeted subsidies making electric prime movers more affordable.
Windrose director – business development James Walmsley discussed the capability of the company’s electric trucks.
“The Windrose long-range electric truck is designed to optimise heavy freight efficiency while dramatically reducing carbon emissions,” he said.
“With a range of up to 670km at 49 tonnes combined mass, one-hour fast charging and B-double rated 1400 horsepower design, the Windrose next-generation electric long-haul trucks can match diesel routes at much lower cost.”
Smart Energy Council chief executive officer John Grimes said Australia has the potential to become an electric-truck forerunner.
“In 2025, China sold more electric trucks in one year than Australia’s entire diesel fleet – that’s the pace of change,” he said.
“Electrifying trucking strengthens our energy security, and we’re ready – we already build electric trucks and charging infrastructure and can power it all with sun and wind. Every litre of diesel we save on highways by electrifying trucks, is one we keep for farmers.”
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