Building a Business on Electric Vans

Western Sydney delivery professional Sami Nahlous is proving that small businesses can scale rapidly with the right mix of technology, support, and determination.

In late August 2023, Sami purchased his first electric van under ANC’s IKEA contract. By October it was on the road, and within two years his operation had expanded into a fleet of seven electric vans and seven independent drivers, delivering across Sydney’s Southwest, West and Inner West.

“Project Spark helped me grow faster and breathe easier,” Sami says. “No engine noise, no fumes – I literally sleep better now. You don’t realise how taxing diesel is on your health until you stop.”

Cutting Costs, Growing Cash Flow

The move to EVs has reshaped Sami’s balance sheet. His weekly fuel bill dropped from $350–$400 to around $50, while maintenance expenses plunged with no more oil changes or engine repairs. Those savings were reinvested into staff and more vehicles. With demand rising, Sami says further expansion is already planned: “Customers love the EVs, and the economics stack up.”

Health and Environmental Gains

The shift away from diesel has eliminated emissions from Sami’s deliveries, while reducing noise pollution for both drivers and the community. Cleaner air and quieter cabins have boosted driver wellbeing and job satisfaction – key factors in staff retention for small operators.

Project Spark Advantage

Sami credits ANC’s Project Spark – the company’s sustainable delivery program – for his success. It provided hands-on EV trials, onboarding support, charging advice, and guidance through government grants and incentives. “Without ANC’s guidance and set-up support, I wouldn’t have grown this fast. It wasn’t just about getting a vehicle – it was about building a real business,” Sami explains.

ANC’s Bigger Picture

Sami’s success sits within ANC’s broader transformation. Through Project Spark and a $12.8 million ARENA Driving the Nation grant, ANC has built one of Australia’s largest last-mile EV fleets with 111 vehicles delivering across the country. To July 2025, those EVs have:

• Delivered 340,000 consignments
• Travelled 1.39 million km with zero tailpipe emissions
• Avoided 622,453 kg of CO₂ emissions – the equivalent of taking 210 cars off the road for a year

As Sami’s story shows, ANC isn’t just building a greener fleet – it’s enabling independent contractors to grow thriving businesses powered by clean transport.

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