A new fleet of 30 electric trucks is set to start delivering freight across Sydney and Melbourne, a move that will slash pollution, noise, and fuel costs on some of the nation’s busiest metropolitan roads.
Backed by AU$3.65 million in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) through the federal government’s Driving the Nation Fund, EV fleet specialist Zenobe will provide the battery-electric vehicles and required charging infrastructure to major white goods retailer, Winnings.
The initiative utilises an innovative EV-as-a-service model. This allows transport businesses to deploy electric trucks onto local routes without having to shoulder the heavy upfront capital costs typically associated with purchasing electric vehicles and installing dedicated charging infrastructure.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, emphasised that electric trucks are already proving their worth for Australian businesses by lowering overheads while reliably getting the job done.
“Whether they’re delivering groceries, appliances or packages, electric trucks are showing they can work for business and for households,” Bowen said.
“But we know that switching to electric vehicles can be a significant investment, so we’re backing practical, common-sense ways to make the switch easier for businesses, including EV-as-a-service models.”
The trial is expected to provide critical data for the broader transport sector. Insights gained from Zenobe’s project will help demonstrate how heavy electric vehicles handle real-world logistics routes and substantial payloads under unique Australian conditions.
By funding these innovative charging solutions, ARENA aims to build confidence in the technology, accelerate private investment, and ultimately drive down transport costs for Australian families and businesses.
The initiative aligns with federal government’s broader commitment to making cleaner, cheaper transport options more accessible across the country by actively backing EV innovation and expanding the nation’s charging network.