Perth-based logistics giant Centurion is backing plans to build the first electric heavy freight charging network in Western Australia, which would comprise an initial three 12-bay charging networks between Perth and Bunbury to the south.
The freight network is the brainchild of Purpose Energy, the W.A. energy company formerly known as Wind With Purpose, and aims to develop a network of battery electric truck charging hubs located along one of the state’s major industrial freight corridors.
The $137 million charging network, being developed under the name Purpose Charging, has proposed building the first three 12-bay heavy vehicle charging hubs at Rockingham, Forrestfield, and Picton, along with two battery swapping stations, potentially provided by China’s Sany.
Purpose Energy, which is now pursuing three separate business lines – wind, baseload, and electric truck networks – and says the move into truck logistics is a natural extension of its approach to energy development.
“We started with a clear conviction that renewable energy needed to be designed around the needs of industry, rather than asking industry to adapt to whatever generation was available,” Purpose Energy founder and managing director Chris Kearney said.
“It isn’t simply about putting electric trucks on the road. You need the vehicles, charging and battery technology, energy supply, infrastructure and customer demand to work together.”
Centurion has agreed to work with Purpose Energy to assess charging requirements, fleet demand, and the potential integration of its proposed truck charging hubs into its existing logistics network.
“Scaling up electric trucks and battery swapping is a key part of our energy transition strategy,” said Hamish McHaffie, group manager for corporate affairs and sustainability at CFC Group and Centurion.
Purpose Energy has also entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Chinese equipment manufacturer Sany to explore the possible deployment of electric trucks, battery swapping technology, and charging infrastructure.
The two companies will assess suitable Sany electric truck models against fleet requirements in Western Australia, investigate road access and regulatory requirements, and evaluate the possible integration of Sany’s charging and battery swapping technology with the proposed Purpose Charging network.
“Western Australia is a strategically important market for Sany, with significant potential for fleet electrification across mining, ports, road transport, sanitation and other heavy-duty applications,” said Stanley Choi, Sany senior key account manager.
Purpose Energy is developing the 300 MW Marradong Wind project near Boddington. “Wind remains a core part of our business, but the energy transition requires more than renewable generation alone,” Kearney said.
“Purpose Energy better reflects the business we are building: connecting generation, reliable energy supply and electrification to solve real energy challenges for industry.”
Sign up for The Driven’s free daily newsletter and get the latest EV news and analysis delivered straight to your inbox.