BTS21: Energex officially gains SEA Electric crane truck
Queensland energy minister hails state first for such an EV
Queensland energy, renewables and hydrogen minister Mick de Brenni was deep in his portfolio element at the Brisbane Truck Show with the debut of an SEA Electric bucket crane truck for state owned power firm Energex.
The 15.5 tonne mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) is based at Energex’s Stafford depot and will be aimed at storm recovery and network maintenance tasks in Brisbane’s north.
In comments at the event, de Brenni views such moves as helping advance electric vehicle (EV) progress locally.
“Our Energex crews work around the clock to keep Queenslanders safe and connected and are some of the first on the frontline when storms strike,” de Brenni says.
“The arrival of the MEWP puts them on the forefront of technology in the heavy transport space, with this electric motor producing up to 2,500nm of torque.
“A 138kWh battery pack sits where fuel and air tanks traditionally would, saving around 30 tonnes of diesel emissions each year.
“With more Queenslanders getting behind the wheel of electric cars, heavy transport is the next logical step in our efforts to decarbonise.”
Energex CEO Rod Duke sees the new addition to the company’s fleet as an exciting insight into the future of EVs in Queensland.
“While we’ve had electric and hybrid cars in the fleet for many years, this truck is the first of its kind for us and we’re looking forward to putting it through its paces,” Duke says.
“It’s a real game-changer for our emergency response in a number of ways and has a range of 200km once fully charged, which will obviously have benefits in terms of reduced carbon emissions.
“Additionally, significantly reduced noise levels make the crew’s essential work activity less intrusive for the community, particularly in times of storm and emergency response, which often occur at night.”
Read the full article at Trade Trucks published on May 17, 2021.
SEA Electric to show five models at BTS21
Australian electric truck company, SEA Electric, will use the upcoming Brisbane Truck Show to publicly launch the first operational-ready range of electric trucks from a manufacturer globally, with five different vehicles to be presented.
With years of experience retrofitting traditionally propelled trucks with the fully electric SEA-Drive power-system, the company recently released its Australian Design Rules certified SEA Electric badged trucks, as assembled from Semi Knock Down kits in Melbourne.
Trucks to be displayed at the Brisbane Truck Show include the SEA 300 EV and the SEA 500 EV, with the exhibit also offering visitors a glimpse into the technical aspects of the innovative SEA-Drive power-system.
For the first time, the SEA 300 EV models will be presented with SEA Electric’s new badges and branding.
“This Semi Knock Down kit collaboration is the first of its kind, and has set the benchmark for similar programs in other SEA Electric markets around the world,” said Tony Fairweather, SEA Electric’s Founder and President.
A highlight will be the unveiling of the SEA 300-45 EV model, with its 4,500kg GVM capable of being driven on a car licence.
The model’s intelligent design sees batteries and the Power-system optimally positioned away from the steer axle, allowing for improved weight distribution and outstanding driving dynamics.
The SEA-Drive 70-7 Power-system fitted to the truck features maximum power and torque ratings of 127kW and 700Nm. Its 88kWh battery capacity provides up to 250km of unladen range with a fast charging time of under two hours.
“It’s fantastic that the Brisbane Truck Show is back, and we are excited to be able to present our range to the public, now as an OE manufacturer,” said Glen Walker, SEA Electric Regional Director for Oceania.
“Operators the world over have mandates to reduce their carbon footprint, with SEA Electric at the forefront of zero-emissions solutions for transport.
“No other company has a line-up of all-electric models with a GVM range of 4.5 through to 22.5 tonnes, especially with the level of performance and reliability which SEA has proven in the field with millions of kilometres of real-world use.
“We are particularly proud of the SEA 300-45 EV, as we see it as a true game-changer in the marketplace, especially following the growth in the past 12 months of last-mile deliveries.
“The beauty of our new production line assembling the trucks from the Semi Knock Down kits is that the process provides multiple efficiencies, including from a waste perspective, as many components were previously discarded in the retrofitting process.
“The consistency of assembly also results in a commonality of the parts required and the sort benefits that come from volume manufacture.
“Perhaps the most important element of SKD assembly is it allows SEA Electric to relate to the Australian transport sector in the time-honoured tradition; as an OEM with a full range of products sold, serviced and supported from a National Dealer Network.
“Since the announcement in March of the SEA 300 EV and SEA 500 EV, we have been full steam ahead, with the models being warmly received by the marketplace, while our technology continues to make waves in both North America and Asia.”
The trucks to be displayed at the Show feature a sample of the application possibilities, including tipper, elevated work platform, and refuse collection, with all auxiliary operations fully electric powered.
These trucks will be located between the SEA Electric exhibit (Foyer stand 50), and the nearby South Bank Truck Festival.
The display SEA 300 examples represent the first new trucks to roll off the production line, with further models available for test drivers from the 15 fully accredited SEA Electric dealers nationwide in the coming months.
Read the full article at Owner Driver published on May 4, 2021.
SEA Electric Grows U.S. Base Through Electrification Solutions, New Facilities and Management Growth
EV Company’s Strategy Includes New National Sales Leadership Team and Alignment with President Biden’s Infrastructure Plan
LOS ANGELES, April 29, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — U.S.-based global automotive technology company SEA Electric is leading the charge to provide immediate electrification solutions that will align with U.S. President Joe Biden’s $174 billion proposed investment and EV infrastructure plan.
With an established upfitting capability for 60,000 units per year, SEA Electric is growing its strategic assembly facilities and technical centers while expanding an experienced management team throughout North America to meet the demands and opportunities for commercial and transit programs including trucks and delivery vehicles, school buses, and government fleets.
According to SEA Electric President and Founder Tony Fairweather, the company’s ‘rapid repower’ initiative enables large fleets to electrify within a cost-efficient AND timely manner. “We’ve positioned ourselves to deliver an immediate volume solution and our recent US $42 million investment has expanded our reach with wholly owned sales and service operations throughout the country. In addition, our current alliance with five third-party facilities to customize and retrofit commercial vehicles offers aftermarket conversions that become very attractive to companies that can appreciate the government incentives.”
An aggressive, relationship-driven national sales management team has been carefully curated to meet the demands within SEA Electric’s own infrastructure, with key leaders taking on the entire North American marketplace.
Vice President of Sales for North America Nick Casas will lead SEA Electric’s growth, leveraging his more than 12 years of national partnership expertise that includes franchise and fleet expansions on a global platform and working closely with partner companies including Sumitomo and Michelin.
“Key for expanding our company is a combination of individuals with strong business development backgrounds that align with massive relationship management skills,” said Casas. “Our long-term goals go far beyond North America, including our movements throughout Canada – but our sights are already set worldwide.”
In place to support U.S. and Canada fleet accounts larger than 1,000 units is Director of National Accounts, Anna Plaza. Her primary role includes truck and van accounts, and all Class 3 vehicle fleets that are up to 16 feet. With more than two decades of global and domestic business development experience, she has held senior leadership roles for Sygne Corp. and most recently with COOP by Ryder.
Plaza has an MBA from Florida International University and an undergraduate degree from American University.
Tedd Rossi, Strategic Account Manager for the West Coast, brings nearly a decade of best-in-class relationship-based sales experience within the automotive arena with Cox Automotive to SEA Electric, expanding his target-marketing expertise within the commercial EV field. A graduate of Vermont’s Champlain College with an International Business degree, Rossi merges his successful automotive technology support and account management skillset within the sustainability sector to bring SEA Electric’s proprietary SEA-Drive® powertrain platform to companies and organizations that can take advantage of state incentives within the Western region.
The Future for SEA Electric
While SEA Electric’s roots will always remain in Australia, along with various manufacturing and technology capabilities, the company’s North American growth brings an advantage that can be replicated in Europe, as well. Current U.S. upfitting facility locations include Illinois, Michigan, North Carolina, Indiana, and Iowa. SEA Electric also recently opened a new Technical Center in Des Moines, Iowa, and will be adding facilities in Chicago, the NY/NJ tri-state area, and Florida later this year.
On the heels of its recent US $42 million equity financing announcement, SEA Electric also closed its latest purchase of 1,000 electric vehicle batteries from long-time technology partner Soundon New Energy Technology (China’s leading environmental protection industry enterprise). This important transaction supports SEA Electric’s proprietary SEA-Drive® 70, 100, and 120 major power-system models. While most of the initial units are slated for the United States, the balance will go to SEA Electric inventories in Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia, as well as the company’s first entry into the European market.
Read the full article at Yahoo! Finance published on April 29, 2021.
- Published in Articles, E-Range, Media Release, Mobile, News, SEA-Drive, Technology