A trial of Australia’s first road-registered fully electric concrete mixer truck has commenced, marking a significant development in sustainable construction transport.
Holcim Australia Pty Ltd and Putzmeister Oceania have partnered to test the SANY eMixer, the first concrete truck mixer to receive Australian Design Rules (ADRs) approval for road use. The vehicle represents a new approach to reducing emissions in construction logistics.
“At Holcim, our commitment to sustainability is embedded in our core strategy and drives us to continuously improve and innovate. Working in partnership with our suppliers to reduce carbon emissions across our transportation and logistics can go a long way in helping us reach our sustainability goals,” said Cyril Giraud, Head of Sustainability at Holcim Australia and New Zealand.
The development of the vehicle involved collaboration between Putzmeister Oceania and Cesco Australia, who manufactured an Australian-made mixer structure for the SANY SY408P Electric Chassis. The truck features a 350 kWh battery from CATL, known for supplying major automotive manufacturers.
Kevin Peet, Regional Logistics Manager, Concrete Vic/SA at Holcim, said: “The performance of the truck and the efficiency of the battery will be tested under the unique operating constraints of ready-mix concrete distribution in metro and urban environments.”
The vehicle can be fully charged overnight using a 30kW Charger or in three hours with rapid Charging. Initial trial results show the mixer completing multiple daily trips with approximately 35% charge remaining.
SANY Concrete & Road Machinery Sales Manager, William Liang, noted: “The eMixer typically has lower operating costs than its diesel counterparts. It is more energy-efficient and requires less maintenance, which could result in significant cost savings over the vehicle’s lifetime. This not only makes it a smart financial choice but also aligns with our commitment to sustainability and innovation in the construction industry.”
Chris Bartlett, Head of Construction at Putzmeister Oceania, commented: “The development of the SANY eMixer specifically for the Australian market has been a significant investment for Putzmeister Oceania. This project is a key addition to our portfolio of low and zero-emission equipment. We are leading the way in supporting a more sustainable construction industry with the SANY eMixer and the recent introduction of the Putzmeister iONTRON hybrid concrete pump, the first of its kind in the market.”
The company plans to expand its zero-emission product range with additional Australian-specific construction equipment in the future.
