National logistics solutions provider Centurion will operate Australia’s first 100 per cent renewable energy off-grid battery electric truck fleet.
Backed by the Government’s Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) Future Fuels Program, the $29 million project involves plans to integrate 30 battery electric trucks into Centurion’s existing fleet, powered by solar generation and off-grid battery energy storage by the end of 2024.
Supported by ARENA’s investment of $15.8 million, Centurion is installing charging equipment, integrated energy generation and storage infrastructure, at its Hazelmere depot in Perth.
It marks an important demonstration in Centurion’s commitment to deliver sustainable operations according to Centurion CEO Justin Cardaci.
“For most of our operations, the zero emissions heavy transport technology won’t be ready for several years. However, battery electric trucks are now ready for operations across the wider metropolitan area and it’s great that we can bring this technology into our fleet,” he said in a statement.
“Centurion actively seeks to deploy technology where it’s ready to displace the diesel transport equivalent and the ARENA funding certainly helps support the project’s economics.”
The trucks will be supported by four megawatts of rooftop solar, 10 megawatt hours of battery, and 15 dual port slow and fast chargers.
“Operating a real zero emissions truck fleet from off-grid solar and battery is a significant step in supporting the energy transition,” said Cardaci.
Centurion is a national operator serving the resource hubs and remote communities of Australia.
“With more than 2400 employees across Australia, customers from a wide range of sectors, and the multiple communities that rely on our service, it’s important we demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainable operations and drive decarbonisation projects like this one,” added Cardaci.
Daimler Truck Australia Pacific President and CEO, Daniel Whitehead, said the Centurion project follows a pattern of innovation at the company and applauds its CEO, Justin Cardaci, for his leadership.
“Sustainability leadership is often talked about but rarely proven in this industry. Justin and the team at Centurion are true believers in making our world more sustainable; they are not just in it for a green headline,” said Whitehead.
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