ARENA awards $12.3 million to e-truck charging hub in Melbourne

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced $12.3 million in funding for Mondo Power to establish an electric truck charging hub at Laverton North to “demonstrate the technical and commercial feasibility for fleets to electrify their operations.”

According to a statement from the agency on Thursday, the site in Melbourne’s west will include 14 dual-plug EV chargers, and will be purpose built for heavy battery electric vehicle (BEV) trucks. 

The facility will be the first of its kind in Australia, and the assistance to “develop, construct and operate an electric truck charging hub” is through the federal Driving the Nation Program. A predicted opening date was not given.

The funding supports installation of fit-for-purpose truck charging infrastructure, and will partly offset the total cost of ownership for 20 electric-powered trucks.

“Through Mondo’s project, we’ll be able to highlight to the heavy transport sector how electrification can be integrated into their existing business models and drive down the high emissions from transporting goods on our roads,” said Darren Miller, ARENA’s CEO, in a statement.

Mondo, a subsidiary of Victorian utilities company AusNet, will partner with truck manufacturers on supply to trucking and transport customers, as well as technical support, trials and long-haul demonstrations.

It will also enter into charging services agreements for hub membership to customers, providing site access and charging services.

Picture: credit Linkedin/ARENA