Australia’s National Reconstruction Fund Corporation has committed A$30.7 million ($30.7 million) in equity to Applied Electric Vehicles, backing the Melbourne-based manufacturer’s autonomous Blanc Robot fleet for deployment across industrial and logistics applications.
The investment marks the fund’s first allocation under its Transport priority area and represents more than half of AEV’s roughly $40 million Series B funding round. Other investors in the round include Barrenjoey and Japan Post Capital, while existing backers include Suzuki Motor Corporation and St Baker.
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AEV develops cab-less, flat-chassis autonomous electric vehicles designed for environments such as mining, manufacturing and logistics. Its Generation 6 Blanc Robots are already being used for tasks including dust suppression at mine sites, inter-factory logistics and last-mile delivery in industrial precincts, according to the company.
The capital will be used to fund manufacturing, commercialisation and scaled deployment of the Blanc Robot fleet. Under current arrangements, Suzuki supplies the vehicle chassis, while AEV produces and integrates proprietary electronics and software at its Australian facilities, supporting domestic manufacturing activity.
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NRFC Chief Executive David Gall said AEV’s technology was well suited to industrial environments where automation can improve safety and productivity. “AEV’s proprietary control system enables autonomous vehicles to operate safely in remote and hazardous conditions,” Gall said, citing the company’s product pipeline, commercial contracts and industry partnerships as indicators of scalable growth.
AEV said its digital control system combines software and electronics designed to meet global autonomous vehicle safety standards, allowing the same platform to be adapted for multiple use cases without a human driver. The company positions the technology as a response to labour shortages and safety risks in environments that are difficult for people to access.
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Founded in 2015, AEV employs 113 staff. The company said the NRFC investment would support existing roles and create up to 25 additional skilled trade, technical and commercial positions in Melbourne.
“This investment accelerates our ability to scale Blanc Robot deployment and deliver autonomous mobility solutions globally,” said Julian Broadbent, chief executive and co-founder of AEV.