Australia’s transition to cleaner road freight has taken a major step with confirmation that Melbourne’s west will soon host the nation’s first dedicated electric truck charging hub. Supported by a $12.3 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), the project will be led by Mondo Power, delivering infrastructure designed specifically for heavy battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
Located in Laverton North, the hub will feature 14 dual-plug chargers, purpose-built to support the increasing demand for zero-emission heavy transport. For Fleet Managers exploring the feasibility of electrification, this site is positioned to serve as a real-world case study.
“Through Mondo’s project, we’ll be able to highlight to 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.”
ARENA CEO Darren Miller
The hub will not only provide charging services but also incorporate membership agreements, giving operators access to high-speed charging, set pricing, and driver amenities. Importantly, the funding package also offsets the total cost of ownership for 20 heavy BEV trucks, helping early adopters overcome initial barriers.
For fleet operators, this announcement demonstrates how industry and government are working together to reduce the 22% of Australia’s emissions that come from transport. The hub will allow companies to test operational models, understand charging patterns, and prepare for wider electrification.
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Central Coast Council now has 153 battery electric and hybrid vehicles in service as it continues a gradual transition away from conventional petrol and diesel models. The electrified vehicles represent around 11 per cent of Council’s total fleet of 1,386 vehicles. The mix includes battery electric passenger vehicles, hybrid passenger vehicles, hybrid trucks and a - Coles puts electric prime movers to work on B-double freight routesColes is expanding its electric vehicle trials into heavy freight, introducing three Volvo electric prime movers into its New South Wales distribution network in partnership with S2 Logistics. The electric trucks will transport products from suppliers into Coles distribution centres and are capable of pulling B-double trailer combinations. Their introduction represents an important operational test
- Council cuts vehicles and trials electric equipment to contain rising costsMackay Regional Council is reducing vehicles, trialling electric equipment and changing how maintenance crews are deployed as part of a broader effort to contain rising operating costs. From robotic mowers and park maintenance blitzes to electric vehicles and LED streetlights, the council says a suite of operational and energy-efficiency measures is already delivering significant savings.
- Australian trials prove electric refrigeration can handle real freight routesBattery-electric transport refrigeration is moving beyond overseas demonstrations and specification sheets, with Australian trials showing the technology can complete demanding freight routes while significantly reducing diesel use. Speaking at TruckShowX, Protrans Solutions General Manager Grant Turner shared results from a series of local trials designed to test whether electric refrigeration units could withstand Australian temperatures,
- Australia Post puts $40.5 million behind electric trucks and vansAustralia Post is preparing to move fleet electrification beyond postie bikes and small delivery vehicles, with a $40.5 million Federal Government investment supporting the rollout of electric vans, trucks, prime movers and depot charging infrastructure. The one-off funding will be delivered during the 2026–27 financial year and is intended to accelerate Australia Post’s existing fleet
