New South Wales-based electric truck developer Janus Electric has turned to ASX-listed battery developer Li-S Energy to develop and test battery cells that could be used exchangeable battery packs.
Janus Electric has developed a system to convert all makes and models of diesel-powered prime mover fleets to electric power. The conversion is then supported by a proprietary exchangeable battery system that could allow swapping of batteries in “change and charge” stations in a matter of minutes.
According to Janus, when these change and charge stations are “used in conjunction with renewable energy, this would ultimately deliver a ‘carbon zero’ solution for electrifying Australia’s road transport fleet.”
Each Janus Electric exchangeable battery currently uses traditional lithium-ion cells and has an energy capacity of 600kWh.
The new collaborative agreement with Li-S Energy, however, will see the two companies begin to develop and test Li-S Energy’s lithium sulphur and/or lithium metal battery cell technology, incorporating BNNT and Li-nanomesh, for use in Janus Electric’s exchangeable battery packs.
The two companies aim to use the collaborative agreement to increase vehicle range between battery exchanges as well as to reduce the total weight of each battery pack.
“It’s great to have Australian companies working together on such important technology which can accelerate the pathway to a zero carbon Australian transportation system,” said Dr Lee Finniear, the CEO of Li-S Energy.
“Using Australian technology in our products will further support Australian manufacturers and development of zero emission transport solutions making them more accessible to heavy vehicle fleet operators large and small globally,” said Lex Forsyth of Janus Electric.
Janus Electric unveiled its first prototype – an electric converted Kenworth T403 – back in May at the Brisbane Truck Show. Since then, Janus Electric has put their converted prototypes to work with four transport operators in local and linehaul applications across both Queensland and New South Wales.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.