Ausgrid has begun trialling its first electric prime mover, testing how heavy electric freight vehicles can support its operations across New South Wales.
The trial involves a Volvo FH Aero Electric prime mover operating across Ausgrid’s electricity distribution network, hauling loads of more than 30 tonnes on routes stretching from the Upper Hunter to Southern Sydney.
Early results show the vehicle is performing comparably to its diesel counterparts in day-to-day operations, with no reduction in productivity observed during the trial period.
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Feedback from drivers has also been overwhelmingly positive, with many noting the quieter, smoother and more comfortable driving experience compared to traditional diesel trucks.
Ausgrid group executive property, logistics and governance Nigel Lowry said the trial was an important step in understanding how electric heavy vehicles can support essential services.
“This is an important milestone in our fleet electrification journey,” Lowry said.
“Our prime mover trucks play a critical role in getting equipment to our crews across the network, so it’s important that any new technology can do the job reliably.”
“So far, what we’ve seen is encouraging. The truck has been able to carry significant loads and operate productively alongside our existing fleet.”
Alongside the vehicle, Ausgrid has partnered with Aussie start-up HubZero Energy to test a new heavy vehicle charging solution, combining a standard grid connection with integrated battery storage.
Hub Zero co-founder and CEO Mahan Perera said the setup was designed to avoid more complex upgrades and was installed in a matter of hours, helping get the trial up and running quickly.
“Some of the challenges with heavy vehicle electrification include the time and cost it can take to install charging infrastructure,” Perera said.
“This trial is demonstrating a different approach—using rapid deployment, battery-assisted fast charging to avoid the need for grid upgrades and digging up the ground—simplifying the process and getting infrastructure in place more quickly and cost-effectively.”
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Ausgrid says the trial will help inform future decisions about fleet replacement as technology continues to evolve, including improvements in vehicle range and charging capability.
The company has now electrified more than 150 of its fleet passenger vehicles, with the focus now shifting to trucks, vans and utilities as part of a broader fleet electrification strategy.
