First BEV’s for last mile services
Backed by funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (Arena), the first 112 battery-electric vehicle (BEV) trucks for last-mile deliveries will soon hit Australia’s roads. Freight and logistics provider ANC will use the funding to further advance the decarbonisation of its fleet. It manages a network of contracted owner-drivers to provide last mile delivery services for several retail brands.
Currently, Australian owner-drivers that are considering BEV trucks face higher capital costs, limited access to charging infrastructure, costly and complex private charging options, and constrained revenue potential.
ANC and a range of partners have now designed a special project to lower the cost for BEV trucks for owner-drivers, which involves offering discounted trucks with leasing options and improving battery-charging and vehicle-utilisation models. (ben)