One of Australia’s largest logistics providers Centurion Transport has announced it will operate the country’s first 100 percent Renewable Energy off-grid Battery Electric Truck fleet. This program is backed by the Government’s Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) Future Fuels Program.
The ambitious $29 million project aims to incorporate 30 Battery Electric Trucks into Centurion’s current fleet by the end of 2024. These trucks will be uniquely powered by solar-generated energy and supported by off-grid battery storage solutions.
Electric truck transportation
With a significant boost from ARENA’s $15.8 million investment, Centurion is enhancing its Hazelmere depot in Perth by installing advanced charging equipment and integrated energy generation and storage systems.
Once complete, this infrastructure will support 30 Mercedes-Benz eActros Electric Trucks, serving the broader Perth metropolitan region. The depot will have four megawatts of rooftop solar panels, a 10-megawatt-hour battery storage system, and 15 dual-port chargers, offering slow and fast charging options.
Centurion CEO Justin Cardaci says: “This project represents a significant step in Centurion’s decarbonization journey and continues our work towards an operational future with net zero emissions. Centurion actively seeks to deploy technology ready to displace the diesel transport equivalent, and the ARENA funding certainly helps support the project’s economics.”
Leading the way in trucking
Centurion further broadened its national presence by strategically acquiring Rocky’s Own Transport, a Rockhampton-based company renowned for its general and express freight services, in July 2023. This acquisition includes all of Rocky’s assets and significantly extends Centurion’s national network.
In October, Centurion announced its acquisition of South Australia’s ABC Transport. The business move comes as the company expands its national transport network. Centurion is one of the country’s largest independently owned and operated logistics companies.
Australian freight and logistics market
Mordor Intelligence reports the Australian freight and logistics market is estimated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.9%. “The maritime industry is a major part of Australia. The Port of Brisbane is the largest seaport in the state of Queensland. It is the third-busiest and fastest-growing port in all of Australia. This port is responsible for more than 28 million cargo and 2,600 ships yearly,” reads the report.
In November, Grace Removals, one of Australia’s largest furniture removal companies, introduced the country’s first fully electric removal truck.
Managing director Craig Page said at the time of launching that with this initiative, Grace Removals is at the forefront of the transition to environmentally friendly operations. “Our new electric truck represents a significant milestone in our ongoing journey towards sustainable operations. It’s more than just a new vehicle; it’s our commitment to our clients and the planet,” he says.
About the author
Sharl is a qualified journalist. He has over 10 years’ experience in the media industry, including positions as an editor of a magazine and Business Editor of a daily newspaper. Sharl also has experience in logistics specifically operations, where he worked with global food aid organisations distributing food into Africa. Sharl enjoys writing business stories and human interest pieces.
