Australian logistics company is taking its electric truck fleet off the grid

Centurion, one of Australia’s largest logistics companies, is building an off-grid battery electric truck charging infrastructure project in Perth. The solar-powered project will support its fleet of 30 BEV semis and box trucks.

Centurion’s new off-grid project is combining high-speed charging equipment, integrated energy generation, and energy storage infrastructure in the form of solar array and BESS, at their Hazelmere depot in east Perth, Australia. The site will be powered solely by solar, wind, and other off-grid/renewable energy, which company executives say is part of a broader vision to reduce Centurion’s total carbon emissions.

“We are excited to break ground on this landmark project, which showcases our commitment to sustainability and innovation within the transport sector,” said Centurion chief executive officer Justin Cardaci. “This project is a key step towards the future, and it wouldn’t be possible without the expertise and collaboration of Cape Dunstans. Together, we’re leading the way in delivering freight solutions operating from clean green energy.”

Centurion’s off-grid charging and energy storage project will be built in two phases, with the North site scheduled for completion in December 2024 to have electric trucks operating out of it from January 2025. Phase two should be completed some time later, with the entire project fully operation by mid-2025. Once ready, the site will support 30 Mercedes-Benz eActros Electric semi trucks serving the wider Perth metropolitan area with four megawatts of rooftop solar, 10 megawatt hours of battery, and a 15 dual port AC and DC fast chargers.

“Seeing this project through from concept to completion is a testament to Cape Dunstans’ expertise,” explains Greg Hutchinson, Cape Dunstans chief executive officer. “We are proud to play a key role in supporting Centurion as they embark on a game-changing transition to off-grid, battery-electric logistics.”

Electrek’s Take

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: commercial fleet managers know no political ideology. If a piece of equipment is better or cheaper, they’ll buy it. If it’s better and cheaper, they’ll buy two.

It seems like the same thing is true in Australia, as well. Here’s hoping other companies learn the same lesson Centurion obviously has, and makes the right choice when it’s time to evaluate their next round of asset purchases.

SOURCE | IMAGES: Centurion, via Big Rigs.