Original Article form Trade Trucks
Three Australian construction companies have completed a full trial of new zero emissions technology in a bid to decarbonise their industry
Australia’s first zero-emissions aggregate heavy vehicle trial has been successfully completed to help decarbonise the construction industry.
The trial between CHL, Holcim Australia and Janus Electric was successfully finished in Queensland recently, marking an Australian first for the construction sector when it comes to electric truck trials.
The partnership says it has achieved a milestone in the transition to a more sustainable transport industry.
Holcim Australia and New Zealand CEO George Agriogiannis says the initiative is aligned to its Accelerating Green Growth strategy and a local example of the company’s commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050.
“Holcim, along with its partners CHL and Janus Electric, has achieved an Australian first – the first zero-emissions heavy vehicle delivering raw materials,” Agriogiannis says.
The trial began in November 2022, leveraging the Janus Electric converted prime mover, carting sand and aggregates from Holcim’s plants across Brisbane and Southeast Queensland. The trial tested the economic viability, reliability and performance of the vehicle.
CHL’s General Manager of Operations Jordan Barratt says there was a clear pathway to commercialisation of the technology in heavy haulage applications.
“We have been operating the Janus Electric truck in short-haul, back-to-base scenarios and found that it can meet our operational requirements. Our goal is to deploy ten trucks in Southeast Queensland by early 2024, which will be the largest fleet of its kind in Australia,” Barratt says.
“With support from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, Queensland Transport and Main Roads and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, we believe this is very achievable.”
While the trial has exceeded expectations, Janus Electric CEO Lex Forsyth says there is more to be done to enable greater adoption of this technology in Australia.
“The success of the Janus Electric trial highlights the potential of exchangeable battery technology in real-life operations, paving the way for a carbon-zero future,” Forsyth says.
“Despite this ground-breaking achievement, the lack of government support to adopt this technology is concerning and highlights the need for greater investment and incentives to accelerate the transition to sustainable transport.
“The trial proved the viability of this cutting-edge Australian-designed and manufactured technology. We look forward to the government engaging with Janus Electric and like companies to accelerate the clean energy transition.”
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