In an Australian first for the construction industry, Holcim Australia has now wrapped up a zero-emissions electric truck trial, using a Janus Electric converted prime mover.
Holcim, together with CHL and Janus Electric, have hailed the trial a success.
Holcim Australia and New Zealand CEO, George Agriogiannis, says the initiative is aligned to the company’s Accelerating Green Growth strategy and is a local example of its commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050.
“Holcim, along with our partners CHL and Janus Electric have achieved an Australian first, the first zero-emissions heavy vehicle delivering raw materials. This trial demonstrates Holcim’s commitment to reducing environmental impacts while delivering innovative and sustainable solutions for our customers,” Agriogiannis said.
The trial began in November 2022, leveraging the Janus Electric converted prime mover, carting sand and aggregates from Holcim’s plants across Southeast Queensland and Brisbane – and testing the economic viability, reliability, and performance of the vehicle.
CHL’s general manager – operations, Jordan Barratt, said there was a clear pathway to commercialisation of the technology in heavy haulage applications.
“We have been operating the Janus Electric truck in short-haul, back-to-base scenarios and found that it can meet our operational requirements. Our goal is to deploy 10 trucks in South East Queensland by early 2024, which will be the largest fleet of its kind in Australia,” said Barratt.
“With support from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, Queensland Transport and Main Roads, and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, we believe this is very achievable.”
Although the trial exceeded expectations, Janus Electric CEO Lex Forsyth said there’s still more to be done to enable greater adoption of this technology in Australia.
“The success of the Janus Electric trial highlights the potential of exchangeable battery technology in real-life operations, paving the way for a carbon-zero future. Despite this ground-breaking achievement, the lack of government support to adopt this technology is concerning and highlights the need for greater investment and incentives to accelerate the transition to sustainable transport,” Forsyth said.
“The trial proved the viability of this cutting-edge Australian-designed and manufactured technology. We look forward to the government engaging with Janus Electric, and like companies, to accelerate the clean energy transition.”