Australia's largest electric truck fleet launches in Perth to slash transport emissions

A major electric truck project is now fully running in Perth, Australia. Known as Centurion’s Off-Grid Battery Electric Vehicle Project, it aims to cut emissions from heavy transport. The initiative has received strong backing, including a AU$15.8 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). The project supports 30 electric trucks, including 25 rigid models and 5 prime movers. These vehicles run on clean energy from 4.4 MW of rooftop solar panels and a 10.3 MWh battery storage system. For backup power, the site uses Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO).

On-site infrastructure features 15 dual-port chargers, offering both slow and fast charging. The facility also includes nine battery swap stations operated by Janus Electric. This company has already converted around 30 trucks to electric in Australia, with over 100 more orders confirmed. The conversion process for a prime mover takes just six days and costs AU$175,000. Heavy trucks and articulated vehicles in Australia currently produce about 19.8 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent each year. They also account for 38% of transport emissions and consume 23% of the country’s fuel. Developed in partnership with ARENA and other organisations, the project marks a significant step in reducing the transport sector’s carbon footprint.

The Perth project is now operational, providing a cleaner alternative for heavy transport. With solar power, battery storage, and rapid conversion times, it offers a practical way to lower emissions. The initiative could serve as a model for similar efforts across Australia.