Melbourne-based SEA Electric has unveiled the SEA 300-45, a zero-emissions truck that can be driven by anyone with a basic driver’s licence.
Billed as its “entry-level” offering and introduced at the recent Brisbane Truck Show, the 4.5 tonne SEA 300-45 is the electric truckmaker’s smallest EV so far.
It uses the company’s patented SEA-Drive® 70-7 Power-System fitted on a 3,375mm wheelbase with a maximum body length of 4,820mm, giving it a payload capacity of almost 2 tonnes.
An 88kWh battery can drive up to 250km unladen and can recharge in under two hours, says the company, and the electric power source has the added benefit of being able to power a refrigeration unit, for example.
Bill Gillespie, SEA Electric president for the Asia Pacific region, says that the development of the SEA 300-45 as prompted by the rise of the online retail sector, and a desire to enable logistics providers to reduce their transport-related emissions.
“In recent times, the transport industry has seen massive development in the last mile delivery sector, fuelled by the growth of demand for online shopping,” said Gillespie in a note by email.
“We’re particularly proud of the SEA 300-45; it ticks many boxes for fleets who want to show leadership in environmental sustainability moving forward.”
Delivering 127kW power output and 700Nm torque, the SEA 300-45 uses intelligent design to shift power away from the steering axle to improve weight distribution and handling.
“Obviously, being capable of driven on a car licence makes it is easier to attract and retain staff, and those drivers are to able to utilise a noise, fume and vibration-free work environment,” he says.
The company has already deployed a number of its electric vehicles in various configurations including this tipper truck for Yarra Council in Melbourne and in the City of Casey which became the first Victorian LGA to employ an electric waste collection vehicle.
Employees driving electric trucks typically report less fatigue due to smoother handling and almost zero vibration and noise.
“With the silent operation of the truck, converting to EVs creates opportunities to beat noise curfews moving forward, with residences and businesses along delivery routes also big winners,” says Gillespie.
“The range of the SEA 300-45 is also a strong suite, and when coupled with its fast charging capability, the trucks can slot in seamlessly to existing fleets.
“It’s exciting that our assembly line now produces the world’s first true range of all-electric trucks, continuing the drive to an all-electric future.”
Bridie Schmidt is associate editor for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She has been writing about electric vehicles since 2018, and has a keen interest in the role that zero-emissions transport has to play in sustainability. She has participated in podcasts such as Download This Show with Marc Fennell and Shirtloads of Science with Karl Kruszelnicki and is co-organiser of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum. Bridie also owns a Tesla Model Y and has it available for hire on evee.com.au.