Established logistics firm ANC is implementing a $45 million plan, hoping to ease the financial pain for owner drivers to afford electric trucks and vans.
The new funding agreement with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), dubbed Project Spark, aims to speed up the electrification of delivery fleets in the transportation sector.
The last-mile delivery company has worked with big brands like IKEA, Bunnings, and JB Hi-Fi for many years. Successfully implementing Project Spark over the next two years can contribute significantly to the country’s sustainability efforts.
“ANC will spearhead the deployment and operation of 112 electric vehicles and charging stations across Australia,” says the nearly 100-year-old company.
Investing in road freight and logistics
Seen as a significant investment in last-mile delivery, ARENA CEO Darren Miller says it’s only the beginning.
“It promises to kick-start a step change in electrifying last-mile delivery in Australia, lowering the total costs to own and run electric trucks, which boosts the number of zero-emission vehicles on our roads.”
Several misconceptions exist about electric vehicles and fleets in general. Miller says the project is also about educating owner-drivers.
How will ANC make electric vehicles more affordable?
ANC aims to electrify 30% of its fleet by 2028. By doing this, it must find ways to ensure drivers buy into the project actively.
Here’s how:
- Proposing to offer discounted trucks with leasing options.
- Improving battery-charging and vehicle-utilization models.
- Negotiations with vehicle manufacturers.
- Review of owner-driver contracts and terms.
ANC CEO Joe Sofra is excited about the funding it has received from ARENA. “With this support, we will expedite the deployment of battery electric vehicles, reducing emissions and leading the charge towards a zero-emissions delivery ecosystem.”
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Photo credit: ANC delivers
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Mia is a multi-award-winning journalist. She has more than 14 years of experience in mainstream media. She's covered many historic moments that happened in Africa and internationally. She has a strong focus on human interest stories, to bring her readers and viewers closer to the topics at hand.
