Zero-emission trucking company New Energy Transport (NET) says it has completed what it describes as Australia’s first all-electric “end-to-end” heavy road freight delivery, positioning the milestone as evidence of electric trucking’s commercial viability while pointing to broader challenges in the freight and energy systems.
NET, in partnership with logistics provider ANC and consumer goods brand Who Gives A Crap, announced the delivery on 30 March in Canberra.
The shipment involved transporting a bulk load of consumer products from Sydney to Canberra using a fully electric heavy prime mover, before transferring the freight to ANC’s electric last-mile delivery vehicles for distribution to customers.
According to the companies, the delivery covered a total of 460 kilometres and was completed entirely using electric vehicles, marking what they described as an Australian-first “end-to-end” zero-emissions road freight operation.
The announcement comes amid ongoing concerns about diesel supply constraints in Australia, which industry participants say are contributing to supply chain risks and rising costs for essential goods.
NET Co-CEO Daniel Bleakley said the delivery showed that electric heavy freight is already feasible. “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,” he said.
Bleakley also called for increased support from both industry and government. “Australia must act now and seize this moment to decouple from diesel,” he said, adding that major transport users and governments have a role in accelerating the transition through infrastructure investment and targeted incentives.
The companies reported that the electric prime mover achieved an 84 per cent reduction in energy costs compared to a diesel truck on the same route. They also stated the journey was completed 25 minutes faster than a diesel equivalent, including maintaining performance on steep sections of the route near Goulburn.
Simon Griffiths, co-founder and CEO of Who Gives A Crap, said the project demonstrated that emissions reductions in supply chains can be achieved with existing technology. “We are proving that the transition to electric vehicle fleets isn’t just a future goal – it’s possible right now,” he said.
“Our goal is to help shape the future of zero-emission freight in Australia… we’re calling on other businesses to join us in making sustainable, electric shipping the new standard,” Griffiths added.
ANC CEO Joe Sofra said the initiative also addressed energy security concerns linked to fuel supply volatility. “While driven by a shared vision to accelerate zero-emissions transport, this initiative also demonstrates what’s possible in delivering enhanced energy resilience amid ongoing fuel volatility and supply uncertainty,” he said.
Windrose, which supplied the electric prime mover, said its long-range electric truck is designed to match diesel performance while reducing emissions. Director of Business Development James Walmsley said the vehicle can travel up to 670 kilometres at full load and supports fast charging, enabling it to operate on typical freight routes at lower cost.
Industry body Smart Energy Council also pointed to international trends and the role of electrification in national energy security. CEO John Grimes said, “Australia runs on road freight so if diesel stops, we stop… Electrifying trucking strengthens our energy security.”
The participating organisations said the delivery highlights the potential for integrated electric freight networks in Australia, while also underscoring the need for continued investment and broader industry adoption to scale such operations.
