The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced up to AU$25.3 million in funding into an electric truck charging network, to support the electrification of Australian road freight.
ARENA will fund NewVolt to develop three open-access, fast-charging hubs for heavy and medium electric trucks across Melbourne’s freight corridors.
The hubs are designed to dismantle the range anxiety and infrastructure hurdles currently stalling the electrification of heavy transport.
By providing shared, high-powered charging, the project aims to support between 50 and 100 electric trucks in its first phase, laying the groundwork for NewVolt’s planned national network.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller noted that while heavy freight is one of the hardest-to-abate sectors, the transition is essential for both the environment and national interests.
“Heavy freight is one of the toughest forms of transport to electrify. It relies on high-powered, reliable charging and today the upfront cost of new trucks and infrastructure is a real barrier,” Miller said.
Miller pointed out that shifting to renewable electricity will also protect the local supply chain from oil price volatility.
“Decarbonising our heavy freight is not only good for emissions, but it also means the freight sector will be protected from international oil price volatility.
“Projects like this can help build a more resilient transport system by powering trucks with Australian electricity instead.”
Decarbonising transport is a key priority for ARENA. Transport plays a vital role as an enabler of Australia’s economy, yet is responsible for around 20 per cent of Australia’s emissions.
ARENA’s Driving the Nation Program is meant to accelerate emissions reductions across the transport sector.
With freight demand projected to rise steadily until 2050, the pressure is on to find viable, low-carbon alternatives to the traditional diesel-chugging semi-trailer.
NewVolt CEO Anthony Headlam believes the business case for fleets to go green is now stronger than ever.
“The NewVolt Network represents foundational infrastructure for heavy vehicle electrification,” Headlam said.
“The network is purpose-built for trucks – offering price-certain, scheduled fast charging for fleets large and small, powered by renewable energy.
“The trucks are now available in the market and the business case for fleets to electrify keeps getting better.”
The first site is targeted to open in late 2026, with the remaining hubs to be delivered through 2027.
