The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced $8.5 million in funding for Zenobē, a fleet electrification specialist, to develop a battery electric vehicle (BEV) truck charging hub in Sydney. The project aims to integrate BEVs into grocery delivery services.
The project includes a $19 million charging hub and the leasing of 60 BEV trucks to Woolworths for its grocery home delivery fleet. Located in Mascot, New South Wales, the hub will have 22 dual port chargers integrated with smart charging software and a stationary battery made from second-life EV batteries.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller stated: “This Australian first project is showing 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. As customers become more used to having their groceries delivered, it makes sense to find renewable energy solutions to do so.”
Miller added: “Transport plays a vital role in Australia’s economy and contributes to 20% of emissions. ARENA is excited to fund projects like this finding solutions to the problem.”
Zenobē will own and operate the site and the trucks, leasing them to Woolworths under what they describe as an Australian-first electric vehicle as a service (EVaaS) business model for trucks.
Zenobē Founder and Director, Nicholas Beatty, commented: “Green finance is key to unlocking flagship projects like this, accelerating the decarbonisation of transport. Collaboration remains key and, together with ARENA and Woolworths, we are showing that the truck sector can electrify today.”
ARENA previously supported Zenobē with a $5 million grant in 2021 for an electric bus depot project in Leichardt, New South Wales.
Zenobē expects work on the charging hub to begin in September 2024, with completion due early 2025.
