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.

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.

The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) recently announced that the popular rebate program for electric vehicles, MOR-EV, will now offer incentives for medium- and heavy-duty electric trucks too. This is great news for the climate and public health in Massachusetts.

A Review of MOR-EV

MOR-EV (“Massachusetts Offers Rebates for Electric Vehicles”) is the state rebate program for electric vehicles (EVs). Housed under DOER and funded by proceeds from Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) auctions, MOR-EV has been driving EV adoption in Massachusetts since 2014. So far, the program has issued over 18,000 rebates to Massachusetts residents making the switch to electric cars. Currently, the MOR-EV program offers rebates of $2,500 for all-electric vehicles with a final sales price under $50,000 and a $1,500 rebate for plug-in hybrids with at least 25 miles of electric range and under $50,000.

Recently, thanks to the advocacy work of organizations like Green Energy Consumers, the MOR-EV program has undergone some changes to make it accessible to more people. In June 2020, the rebate was extended to commercial fleet owners. Since many fleet vehicles drive more miles per day than personally-owned cars, which spend most of the day parked at home or at work, this move opened the rebate program to some of the highest-mileage (and therefore most-polluting) vehicles on the road. Back in June, we applauded this change but continued to urge DOER to further expand the program: including making the rebate point-of-sale, extending it to cover used vehicles, and expanding it to cover medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. On the last point, we have now seen some progress!

MOR-EV Truck

As of February 16, 2021, MOR-EV now offers rebates for the purchase or lease of electric medium- and heavy-duty vehicles for both public and private vehicle operators. This effort is funded with $10 million. Here are the key details:

Vehicle Class: MOR-EV Truck applies to Class 2.b – 8 vehicles. In other words, vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of over 8,500 pounds. (Everything under that weight class is covered by the exiting MOR-EV program.) The incentive starts at $7,500 for Class 2.b (think step vans, utility vans, full-size pickups) and increases with weight until Class 8 (think dump trucks, cement trucks), which qualify for $90,000.

Block Structure: Within each class, once a certain number of rebates or vouchers have been used up, the incentive declines by 15%. This structure encourages vehicle operators to act sooner rather than later. Individual entities can only reserve 10% of any block, which is great, because it prevents a large company from soaking up all the available incentive dollars before smaller operators can engage.

Vouchers: Since some medium- and heavy-duty vehicles are not as readily available as passenger EVs, vehicles over 14,000 pounds can apply for a voucher instead. This voucher allows them to reserve a rebate until they take possession of the vehicle (which must be within nine or twelve months, depending on the vehicle class.)

Environmental Justice: Vehicle drivers who are registered (or can demonstrate that they operate more than half the time) in communities that meet the state’s Environmental Justice (EJ) Income Criteria are eligible for a rebate that is 10% higher than the current block value. This “adder” comes in recognition of the fact that EJ communities suffer disproportionately from air pollution and its public health impacts, and that medium- and heavy-duty vehicles are the worst offenders when it comes to local air pollution. We will be watching to see if this well-intended provision accomplishes its goal.

For more information, visit the MOR-EV page on Mass.gov.

Read the full article by Anna Vanderspek at Green Energy Consumers Alliance – including additional content – published on April 6, 2021.

Melbourne based company SEA Electric has commenced volume commercial production of electric trucks that it says will cost under $14 per day to charge from the grid, and even less if depot solar is used, with the first of the vehicles currently on the SEA Electric production line in Melbourne.

Proudly Australian since its inception in 2013, SEA Electric says it has grown a global reputation for its innovative electric power system solutions for commercial vehicles.

Two SEA Electric-badged vehicles, the SEA 300 and SEA 500, based on the Hino 500 Series and Hino 300 Series models, are now available for purchase.

“SEA Electric is privileged to be able to bring this Australian first to the marketplace,” says SEA Electric regional director for Oceania, Glen Walker.

“These trucks truly meet a need in the marketplace, and prior to this launch, we have received pre-orders for 46 vehicles from some of Australia’s biggest companies and councils.

“It represents an exciting phase in global EV development, and this places SEA Electric at the forefront.

The trucks are propelled by SEA Electric’s SEA-drive power-system, which is available in various performance and range packages to suit applications from 4.5 tonne car licence vehicles through to 22.5 tonne 3 axle trucks.

Previously only available as a retrofit option for existing diesel vehicles, the trucks are assembled from semi knocked down (SKD) kits, complete with a fully integrated SEA-drive power-system from new.

SEA says that real world testing of in-service vehicles that travel up to 1000 kilometres per week has revealed daily recharging costs of less than $14 per day using standard off-peak electricity prices of 15c per kWh.

Future proofed with an upgradable plug and play architecture, the SEA-drive® power-system can be charged using the world’s biggest charging network, which is 415V 3-phase power via the truck’s standard on-board charging equipment, with optional DC fast charging also available.

The fast charging option enables a charging rate four times faster than standard, and offers range extending top-ups during lunch hour or vehicle loading.

From an operational perspective, lower maintenance and running costs are possible, with diesel consumption eliminated and fewer moving parts minimising service costs.

“Our electric Power System features a host of key features, including smooth application of torque, industry-leading range, whisper quiet operation, and importantly, a reduction in the truck’s carbon footprint, with zero emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane,” Walker says.

Another highlight of the trucks are the improved workplace health and safety conditions for operators, with the powertrain producing no noise or fumes while reducing vibrations, which combine to limit driver fatigue.

“SEA-drive technology performs exceptionally well in congested urban environments, where pollution reduction is needed most, and as demonstrated by real world experience from our global vehicle deployments it provides competitive whole of life operating costs when compared to traditional diesel vehicles,” says Walker.

“As demonstrated with vehicles already fitted with SEA-drive power-systems, the trucks are extremely quiet, perform well, while also providing a powerful yet smooth ride.

“They also have a flexible architecture which will future-proof their ownership.

“There are a range of advantages provided by the SEA-drive® power-system, including reduced service costs, with a routine four-hour inspection required every six months, and minimal wear on service brakes due to the use of regenerative braking.

“In Australia, carbon dioxide emissions from transport are now the second highest behind electricity generation, and are forecast to continue rising. With this announcement, the freight industry can now react – safe in the knowledge that their freight product offering will be enhanced in their clients’ eyes.

“Mass uptake of electric trucks in urban Australia has the potential to save up to millions of tonnes of CO2 each year, and provide up to 40,000 MWh of mobile battery storage, which is a potential future revenue stream.”

The trucks are currently on sale from 15 fully accredited SEA Electric dealers nationwide that can also provide service and parts support, including any work carried out under the standard three-year warranty.

“Having a strong dealer network and nationwide support structure in place, we are excited for the range to hit Australia’s roads,” says Walker.

SAE says roadside assistance will be available via industry leading provider NTI for the life of the warranty period.

Read the full article at Owner Driver – including additional content covering Technical Details of SEA Trucks – published on March 24, 2021.