The transportation industry is at a critical junction, with decarbonisation at the forefront of global discussions. At a recent Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) webinar, Heather Bone from Team Global Express (TGE) shared insights into the operation of Australia’s first fully electric fleet depot. This facility, located at Bungarribee, now operates 60 electric trucks, including 36 Volvo trucks and 24 Fuso eCanters, marking a significant step toward reducing the carbon footprint of Australia’s freight sector.
In her presentation, Heather Bone reflected on the challenges and successes encountered throughout the electrification process. Despite the progress, Heather was candid about the tough road ahead. The trial has produced invaluable insights into the integration of electric trucks into fleet operations, but there are still hurdles to overcome.
Implementation Challenges and Ongoing Learning
According to Heather, the transition to electric trucks has not been easy. From operational issues to infrastructure integration, the learning curve has been steep. Even with what appears to be the simplest decarbonisation option—switching from diesel to electric trucks—Team Global Express has faced numerous challenges.
One of the most significant hurdles involves the integration of the charging infrastructure. Heather mentioned receiving driver feedback about issues such as trucks not being charged over the weekend due to charging system errors. She noted, “The charger hasn’t worked, or the truck hasn’t charged over the weekend,” illustrating the operational teething problems still being faced. As a result, Team Global Express is still in the early stages of fully optimising the fleet.
Despite these challenges, the facility continues to make significant strides. Bone highlighted that although all trucks are now operational, it will likely take another six to twelve months before they can begin to optimise and truly maximise the capabilities of the electric fleet.
Truck Performance and Utilisation
The fleet’s performance has been largely promising, but the trucks are currently used for short-haul journeys, with most of them operating within a 50-kilometre radius around the Sydney metropolitan area. The trucks are mainly deployed in metropolitan distribution, handling medium to heavy loads on a daily basis. The charging system, while sophisticated, still poses certain inefficiencies.
The facility uses a combination of 47 slow chargers and 16 fast chargers. Drivers who need a quick charge can use the fast chargers located near the cafeteria, providing a convenient solution for top-ups during breaks. Bone also mentioned that not all trucks need to be charged daily, as some don’t travel far enough during their routes to warrant overnight charging. However, the optimisation of energy consumption remains a key focus. Heather explained that the trucks should ideally go out at 100% charge each day to maximise efficiency, emphasising the importance of viewing the fleet as part of a comprehensive energy management system rather than just as vehicles with chargers.
The Future of Electric Freight
Looking forward, Heather Bone remains optimistic but grounded in the reality that electric trucks may not be the solution for every segment of the freight industry. She mentioned that renewable diesel and hydrogen-powered vehicles could fill the gap for applications where electrification is not yet viable. For now, electric trucks are proving effective in specific settings, particularly for short-haul and urban distribution, but long-haul freight still presents significant challenges.
One of the major lessons learned is the importance of infrastructure support. Electric truck fleets require robust and reliable charging infrastructure, and public charging networks will play a crucial role as electric truck usage expands. Heather pointed out that while TGE has invested heavily in its charging infrastructure, the cost of public charging must be reduced to make the transition viable for more operators. She noted that pricing access to infrastructure from a capital cost perspective rather than an operational cost could pose challenges for other operators in the industry.
Customer Demand and Industry Shifts
Another significant shift highlighted by Heather was the changing customer attitudes towards decarbonisation. While customers previously resisted paying for greener options, they are now beginning to ask questions about the cost of decarbonising their operations. Heather described this as a “big shift” and noted that conversations with clients have evolved. “Customers are now asking, ‘What exactly is that going to cost as an end consumer?’” she said, reflecting on the growing awareness of sustainability in the freight industry.
Heather also explained that the total cost of ownership for electric trucks remains high, more than double that of a traditional diesel truck. However, in the case of Team Global Express, this cost has been mitigated by a grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), which covers part of the cost difference. This support has been critical in ensuring that TGE does not have to pass the additional costs onto consumers, a challenge that many other fleet operators will need to navigate as they transition to electric.
Collaboration is Key
Heather stressed the importance of collaboration in overcoming these challenges. Industry players, government agencies, and energy providers must work together to create a more sustainable and efficient transport system. Collaboration with ARENA, the CEFC, and energy distribution companies has been critical to TGE’s success, and Heather believes this model must be replicated across the industry.
In fact, Heather shared that energy companies are now showing significant interest in their operations, with Endeavour Energy recently sending 25 executives to visit the depot. The facility’s energy optimisation capabilities, including its one-megawatt battery, demonstrate the importance of integrating transport and energy systems for future fleet decarbonisation.
Conclusion: A Long Road Ahead
Team Global Express’s experience with electric trucks highlights both the potential and the complexities of decarbonising the freight sector. While the early results from the Bungarribee depot are promising, it’s clear that electric trucks are not a one-size-fits-all solution. The industry will need to explore a mix of technologies—including renewable diesel and hydrogen—to fully transition away from fossil fuels.
As the industry moves forward, the lessons learned from pioneers like Team Global Express will be invaluable in shaping the future of sustainable transport in Australia. However, the journey is far from over, and continued innovation and collaboration will be essential to achieving long-term decarbonisation goals.
