Electric trucks could soon become a common sight on Australian roads as industry players race to cut reliance on diesel and strengthen the nation’s fuel security. An Australian company is now converting traditional diesel trucks into fully electric vehicles — with 28 already operating nationwide.
Janus Electric Leads the Charge
Janus Electric is leading the charge, swapping out engines and fuel tanks for interchangeable battery packs that can be slotted in and out in minutes. The full conversion takes less than a week.
“The truck is then commissioned, tested, road‑tested, configured to be appropriate for the job, and then put back in the hands of the customer,” Janus Electric CEO Ben Hutt told 7NEWS.
Fuel Security Concerns
The shift comes as Australia grapples with ongoing fuel‑supply pressures, with experts warning the nation’s fuel security remains vulnerable. “If we see electrification of freight, that really does great things for Australia’s fuel security,” Royal Automobile Association of South Australia’s Peter Nattrass said.
South Australia is firmly on the company’s radar, with its strong renewable‑energy footprint making it a prime candidate for expansion.
Cost of Conversion
But the transition won’t come cheap — each conversion costs just under $200,000. Nearly 30 trucks have been converted into electric trucks.
SA Transport Minister Joe Szakacs says electric freight will play a growing role, particularly in metropolitan areas. “There’s still a really important place for diesel, there’s a really important place for rail — but around our cities, around Adelaide, most of those movements can be accommodated through future fuels,” he said.
There are currently 11 national charging stations in South Australia capable of supporting heavy EV trucks, with plans to roll out 50 more in the coming years.
