Ausgrid, the largest electricity distributor on Australia’s east coast, has unveiled its first heavy electric vehicles (EVs).
Two new fully electric tipper trucks from Chinese EV maker Foton and an electric flatbed truck from SEA will enter service with Ausgrid as part of the distributor’s larger efforts to accelerate network capability and support the adoption of electric vehicles.
The three new heavy EVs are expected to help Ausgrid reduce diesel consumption by 10,000 litres per year and will join Ausgrid’s expanding fleet of electric vehicles already in operation.
Ausgrid is planning to electrify 40 per cent of its fleet by 2029 and reach net zero emissions by 2050 for its Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.
“As a key enabler of electrification, Ausgrid needs to understand what infrastructure is required to get many more EV trucks on the road,” said Marc England, Ausgrid CEO.
“Ausgrid needs to facilitate this shift towards EV adoption and a net-zero future but do it in a way that is fully supported by the electricity grid. Ultimately, we want to ensure that any individual or company wanting to go electric, no matter how complex their fleet needs, is able to do so.”
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.