Australia’s first dedicated charging hub for electric trucks will be built in Melbourne, backed by AUD 12.3 million ($8 million) in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). The Laverton North facility will feature 14 dual plug chargers for heavy battery-electric trucks and is intended to showcase the feasibility of electrifying freight operations.
The funding has been awarded to Mondo Power, which will develop, build and operate the hub in Melbourne’s western freight precinct. Alongside the installation of charging infrastructure, the initiative will support 20 heavy electric trucks and reduce their total cost of ownership. Mondo also plans to partner with truck manufacturers to supply vehicles and provide technical support, trials and demonstrations for logistics operators.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller said the project underscores the importance of innovation in reducing emissions from transport. “Through Mondo’s project, we’ll be able to highlight to the heavy transport sector how electrification can be integrated into their existing business models and drive down the high emissions from transporting goods on our roads,” he said. “Transport plays a vital role in Australia’s economy and contributes around 22% of emissions. By backing first-of-kind innovation like this, we can accelerate the sector’s adoption of clean technologies and bring us closer to our net-zero goals.”
AusNet Chief Development Officer Jon D’Sylva said the facility would provide essential infrastructure for freight operators. “This is a first-of-its-kind facility in Australia, providing essential charging infrastructure for heavy vehicles, supporting the transition to zero-emission freight and reducing pollution in Melbourne’s inner west,” he said. “Delivering Australia’s clean energy transition is not just about replacing coal-fired power with renewable generation. We need to look holistically across a range of sectors, including transport, at the opportunities to decarbonise and this is just one example of that.”
