Janus Electric, a start-up from New South Wales specialising in truck electrification and swappable battery technology has launched its inaugural solar-powered battery swap station at Sydney's Moorebank Intermodal Precinct.
First Solar-Powered Battery Swap Station at Intermodal Terminal
The Janus "Charge and Change Station" is the company’s first battery swap facility powered entirely by rooftop solar energy. Capable of replacing 2-meter by 1.2-meter batteries in just four minutes, the swap station supports Janus-converted electric trucks, which can travel 300 to 400 kilometres on a single battery charge.
This swap station is also the first to be located at an intermodal terminal, enabling seamless freight transfers between road and rail transport. With eight additional Charge and Change Stations already operating across Australia, Janus has plans to expand the network further.
Lex Forsyth, CEO of Janus Electric, stated: “Launching this solar-powered Charge and Change Station is a crucial step towards a cleaner, greener future for Australia’s transport sector. Janus Electric is at the forefront of electric vehicle innovation in Australia, offering cutting-edge solutions to help reduce carbon emissions in the heavy transport industry. Our Charge and Change Stations enable quick battery swaps for electric trucks, providing a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional refuelling methods.”
NSW Policy Boosts Zero-Emission Freight Expansion
The development of the new facility aligns with the NSW Government’s Towards Net Zero Emissions Freight Policy, which details initiatives by both the government and industry to lower the carbon emissions of heavy vehicles and rail freight.
A significant milestone in implementing this policy is the introduction of extra-mass provisions for state road access, allowing electric trucks, such as those from Janus Electric, to operate statewide without reducing cargo capacity.
Lex Forsyth, Janus Electric CEO, said: "Launching this solar-powered Charge and Change Station is a crucial step towards a cleaner, greener future for Australia's transport sector. Janus Electric is at the forefront of electric vehicle innovation in Australia, offering cutting-edge solutions to help reduce carbon emissions in the heavy transport industry. Our Charge and Change Stations enable quick battery swaps for electric trucks, providing a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional refuelling methods."
NSW Freight Sector Poised for Growth with Focus on Sustainability
Recent modelling shows that freight transport and logistics contributed around $74.3 billion to the NSW economy in 2022–23, with projections estimating growth to $131.5 billion by 2060–61. The sector currently supports over 330,000 full-time jobs, potentially rising to 565,000 by 2060–61. As the industry continues to grow, the NSW Government is committed to working with stakeholders to embrace new technologies and ensure sustainable growth.
Jo Haylen, Minister for Transport, said: "Freight demand is projected to rise by 34 per cent across NSW from 2021 to 2061. We're going to need more capacity, not less, which is why we're working on a plan with the freight industry to get us to net zero. Many freight operators are natural innovators and are already investing in low-emission technologies. The NSW Government's Zero Emissions Freight Policy means that the government is supporting industry and helping them invest in new and exciting technologies across the state and at key freight centres like Moorebank."