A $12.3 million Australian-first electric truck charging hub will be built in Melbourne’s freight corridor.
The facility will be created, backed by ARENA funding, to test the feasibility of electrifying heavy transport fleets.
The hub, to be constructed and operated by Mondo Power in Laverton North, will feature 14 dual-plug chargers purpose-designed for heavy battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
It aims to demonstrate both the technical integration and commercial viability of large-scale truck electrification.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller said the project highlights the sector’s decarbonisation potential.
“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,” he said.
Transport accounts for around 22 per cent of Australia’s emissions, and freight movements along Melbourne’s west are among the country’s busiest.
The hub will provide not only charging but also site access, set-price charging services, driver amenities and parking options through membership agreements.
The $12.3 million in ARENA support will offset the upfront capital costs of fit-for-purpose truck charging infrastructure and contribute to the total cost of ownership for 20 heavy BEV trucks.
Mondo will partner with several truck manufacturers to supply vehicles, alongside technical support, operational trials and long-haul demonstrations.
AusNet Chief Development Officer Jon D’Sylva said the initiative delivers critical infrastructure for freight operators.
“This project marks a major step towards a more sustainable and efficient transport network for Australia,” he said.
“Delivering Australia’s clean energy transition is not just about replacing coal-fired power with renewable generation. We need to look holistically across a range of sectors, including transport, at the opportunities to decarbonise and this is just one example of that.”
The project is funded under the federal Driving the Nation Program, which supports low-emission transport initiatives.
According to ARENA, the hub will set a benchmark for electrified freight operations, with lessons expected to inform broader rollout of heavy-vehicle charging across the national road freight network.