Australia’s manufacturing and freight sectors are set to benefit from a new $12.3 million investment in the nation’s first shared electric truck charging hub, backed by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
ARENA said the funding will go to Mondo Power to develop, construct and operate the facility in Laverton North, Melbourne’s west.
The project is expected to demonstrate how electric truck infrastructure can support the decarbonisation of freight operations while engaging directly with manufacturers to deliver heavy battery electric vehicles (BEVs) into the market.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller said the project represents a critical opportunity for transport and manufacturing industries to adapt to clean energy technologies.
“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,” Miller said.
He added that electrification would not only support logistics but also create momentum for local truck manufacturing capabilities.
“Transport plays a vital role in Australia’s economy and contributes around 22 per cent 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.”
The hub will feature 14 dual plug electric vehicle chargers purpose-built for heavy BEV trucks. In addition to installing charging infrastructure, the funding will support the partial offset of the total cost of ownership for 20 heavy BEV trucks.
Mondo will work closely with truck manufacturers to supply vehicles, provide technical support and carry out trials and demonstrations with freight operators.
AusNet Chief Development Officer Jon D’Sylva said the initiative would provide vital infrastructure while linking energy innovation with the manufacturing and transport industries.
“This project marks a major step towards a more sustainable and efficient transport network for Australia,” D’Sylva said.
He noted that the transition would require cross-industry cooperation. “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.”
The charging hub is being delivered under ARENA’s Driving the Nation Program. ARENA said the facility is expected to serve as a model for how manufacturing partnerships and clean energy infrastructure can help transform Australia’s freight sector.
