- Australia’s ANC is launching 112 battery-electric trucks for last-mile deliveries, funded by a $12.8 million grant from ARENA.
- Project Spark aims to lower costs and barriers for owner-drivers switching to electric trucks, promoting zero-emission logistics.
- The initiative includes partnerships for improved charging infrastructure and revenue diversification through sustainable delivery options.
ANC launches Project Spark, backed by ARENA funding, to propel the country’s fleet electrification
Australia is rolling out its first fleet of 112 battery-electric trucks for last-mile deliveries in metropolitan areas. This initiative is part of Project Spark, designed to overcome barriers surrounding electric truck ownership and fleet decarbonisation. The project is made possible by a $12.8 million funding injection from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)’s Driving the Nation Fund.
ANC, a leading freight and logistics provider, is spearheading Project Spark. The project will slash the high costs traditionally associated with owning and operating electric trucks. Naturally, this will encourage more zero-emission vehicles on Australian roads.
The strategy involves offering discounted electric trucks and improving charging infrastructure to support the transition. Collaborations with partners such as CarBon and Origin will enhance charging capabilities. That includes overnight and fast-charging solutions crucial for meeting delivery demands.
Darren Miller, CEO of ARENA, commented:
“The breadth of innovation in Project Spark, across both supply- and demand-side measures, is commercially astute, practically workable, and very exciting. It promises to kick-start a step change in electrifying LMD in Australia by lowering the total costs to own and run electric trucks, which in turn boosts the numbers of zero-emission vehicles on our roads.
The project demonstrates use cases for BEV trucks in LMD operations, tackling constraints that have so far made it hard for the industry to transition away from internal combustion engine vehicles. Ultimately, this project is about educating owner-drivers and countering the misperceptions out there. “We are confident that the future for a low-emissions LMD industry is in BEVs.”
ANC plans to diversify revenue streams by introducing ‘green upcharge’ options for consumers who want sustainable deliveries. These initiatives will reduce carbon footprints and generate additional income for fleet operators.
Joe Sofra, CEO of ANC, said:
“This grant from ARENA is a vote of confidence in ANC’s vision for a cleaner, greener future. With this support, we will expedite the deployment of battery electric vehicles, reducing emissions and leading the charge towards a zero-emissions delivery ecosystem. We are poised to make a substantial impact on the market, and more importantly, on the environment. We thank ARENA for their support in helping ANC drive this pivotal shift in the industry.”
With governmental backing from ARENA’s broader $500 million fund for cleaner transport innovations, Project Spark sets a new benchmark for last-mile delivery operations in Australia. ANC is putting the money to good use, with an influx of electric trucks on the way, and ample infrastructure and incentive plans to bolster the operation, Project Spark is pushing Australia into the future.
