Fennell Forestry, a South Australian logging company, has made history by becoming the first in Australia and only the second in the world to operate a T609 Kenworth logging truck fitted with an electric powertrain. The truck, which was converted by New South Wales based electric conversion company Janus Electric, features a 540kW motor and is expected to have a range of 400 to 500 kilometres on a full charge.
The truck will now enter a two-year testing period for Fennell Forestry, during which they will use their swap-and-go system to quickly swap out batteries. This will allow the truck to stay in the region, while also allowing Fennell Forestry to determine its effective range when loaded with softwood and hardwood.
Wendy Fennell, Fennell Forestry managing director, spoke to ABC News about the historic moment: “I didn’t think this day was going to come, but it has and it’s exceeded my expectation. This is what the trial is about: is the range going to be there? Is it going to be durable enough for our application? We’ll be monitoring the data very closely, to weigh up the costs associated with operating it.”
Fennell Forestry believes that this truck is the first step in an important transition for the industry, and will play a significant role in helping the heavy transport industry meet federal government 2030 emissions reduction targets. They are confident that their Australia-first initiative will be a success, but it will take two years before they can be sure.
Joshua S. Hill, a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years, believes that this is an important milestone for the industry. He said: “It’s an educated gamble, but one we feel compelled to take for the benefit of the heavy transport industry and future generations.”
FAQ
Q1: Are electric car batteries recyclable?
A1: Yes, electric car batteries are recyclable.
Q2: Are electric car chargers free?
A2: It depends on the charger and the location. Some electric car chargers are free, while others may require a fee.
Q3: Can electric car batteries be rebuilt?
A3: Yes, electric car batteries can be rebuilt with the right tools and knowledge.
