Electric truck and bus maker Foton Mobility Distribution (FMD) has signed an agreement with petrol retailing giant Ampol that may lead to its vehicles using the public charging network, AmpCharge, to boost the operating range of its vehicles.
The MoU will see the two companies begin compatibility testing of FMD’s electric trucks with Ampol’s AmpCharge electric vehicle (EV) charging network.
“Heavy transport presents unique challenges that differ from passenger EV charging, from higher energy demands and longer dwell times, to route planning across long-haul corridors,” said Rebecca Wilson, Ampol head of energy business solutions.
“Working closely with FMD allows us to tailor our AmpCharge infrastructure and depot charging solutions to meet the real-world operational needs of fleet operators, so businesses can transition to electric without compromising on uptime, range confidence, or efficiency.”
If the trucks are able to access Ampol’s AmpCharge network, it will improve and enhance the value of buying electric trucks and extending the utility and range of its vehicles.
“Whilst most EV trucks are currently charging at their respective depots, due to limited availability of truck-ready public charging sites, the ability to venture further afield with confidence using Ampol’s public network would materially enhance the ownership experience,” said Geoff Carroll, FMD’s general manager for light duty trucks.
Foton is building a new manufacturing and assembly facility in South Nowra that will be the first purpose-built bus manufacturing facility on New South Wales’ South Coast, and will be able to produce up to 400 electric buses each year.
