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BTS21: Energex officially gains SEA Electric crane truck

Monday, 17 May 2021 by Mark Davidson

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.

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SEA Electric to show five models at BTS21

Tuesday, 04 May 2021 by Mark Davidson

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.

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SEA Electric Grows U.S. Base Through Electrification Solutions, New Facilities and Management Growth

Thursday, 29 April 2021 by Mark Davidson

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.

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SEA Electric Expands Leadership Team Within US-Based Global Headquarters

Wednesday, 07 April 2021 by Mark Davidson

Mike Menyhart, Chief Strategy Officer, and Kathleen LaVoy, General Counsel, Ready to Lead SEA Electric Growth with Seniority and Expertise Following Company’s US $42 million Equity Financing

LOS ANGELES, April 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Continuing to balance a recent string of successful business strategies, global automotive technology company SEA Electric is expanding the leadership team in its US-based global headquarters with the recent management additions of Michael (Mike) Menyhart, Chief Strategy Officer and Kathleen (Katie) LaVoy, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. Both executives secure a strong Midwest presence, bridging SEA Electric’s national expanse which already includes the West Coast, an innovation center in Iowa and plans to build a presence in the greater New York area. (Photos and full background.)

According to Tony Fairweather, SEA Electric president and founder, the company’s biggest learnings over the past year may well have been their silver lining. “The virtual and remote world in which we’ve all become accustomed has opened opportunities for talents and human capital not tied to a single location – and our growth is a living example. The management team we have created, and now led by Mike and Katie, provide access to the best talent to match our world class technology and IP.”

Menyhart joins SEA Electric with a strong background in banking, corporate development, finance, and general management with former senior positions at Accenture, SunTrust Bank, and Genpact. His experience brings a solid foundation and base of capital markets relationships that can lead SEA Electric through its natural evolution toward one as a publicly traded company. In addition, his previous work in the digital transformation and advanced technology space will help keep SEA Electric as the leader in commercial electric vehicle power systems.

“It’s exciting to become involved in an industry and company that will not only deliver tremendous global environmental impact but also deliver compelling outcomes for our clients through unmatched total cost of ownership and reliability,” said Menyhart. “We are in a position to lead the movement for global environmental sustainability. The delivery and logistics industry is at an inflection point and SEA Electric is driving the industry transformation from harmful greenhouse gases to zero emissions. We will make a huge difference in the world while significantly improving the driver experience and building a better alternative to the internal combustion engine.”

The addition of Katie LaVoy as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary brings proven expertise of strategic thinking and commercial knowledge to find legal and compliance solutions. “Good governance starts before you go public,” said LaVoy. “My number one goal is to apply my past experience and leadership from public companies to build the worldwide compliance necessary for SEA Electric to be regarded as a top tier company – one that positions its technology and sustainability on the forefront and recognizes the people that created it.”

LaVoy’s various leadership roles have stemmed from 13 years of experience at the publicly traded Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation – a large global corporation within the maritime industry that enables marine transportation. She holds a JD (Doctor of Law) degree from the Northwestern University School of Law and an Executive MBA from the Kellogg School of Management. Her litigation portfolio includes delivering high-value legal solutions to challenging issues.

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 US growth brings an advantage that can later be replicated in Europe, as well. “The sheer size of the opportunities before us, which began in Australia and the Pacific region, are exponentially growing within the US and European markets,” said Fairweather.

“We have an extremely compelling story to tell, from the solid foundation of the technology and people behind us in our original home in Australia to those who are joining our journey worldwide. We are anxious for the future and the positive direction it holds.”

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 GlobeNewswire published on April 7, 2021.

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New Electric Truck Incentives In Massachusetts

Tuesday, 06 April 2021 by Mark Davidson

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.

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Sea Electric Strikes Deal to Purchase 1,000 Electric Commercial Vehicle Battery Sets from Soundon New Energy Technology Co.

Thursday, 25 March 2021 by Mark Davidson

LOS ANGELES, March 25 (Korea Bizwire) — Global automotive technology company SEA Electric, along with its proprietary SEA-Drive® technology – the secret sauce behind the company’s leadership within the electrification of commercial vehicles – has expanded its global reach through the purchase of 1,000 electric vehicle batteries from long-time technology partner Soundon New Energy Technology Co. The newly formed arrangement immediately follows SEA Electric’s recently announced US$42 million in equity financing news. (Full background and photos.)

Soundon, SEA Electric’s sole battery provider since 2012, developed seven SEA-Drive® battery solutions during the two companies’ shared journey in the electric commercial vehicle space. Through this new relationship SEA Electric is realizing the cost benefits of Soundon’s battery and power electronics technical expertise, as well as their production efficiencies. As a result, battery production is underway with fulfillment completion expected sometime in Q2 2021. The deal also allows SEA Electric to realize a significant 36 percent reduction in kilowatt hour (kWh) unit cost.

According to Tony Fairweather, SEA Electric president and founder, Soundon is not only a world-class leader in innovation and battery technology, but highly regarded for its product quality, on time delivery, and competitive pricing. “Our long-term relationship with Soundon has been a very successful commercial journey and we anticipate continuing to share our global successes along the way.” While the majority of the initial 1,000 battery units are slated for the United States, the balance will go to SEA Electric inventories in Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia, along with the company’s first entry into the European market.

SEA Electric’s exclusive and proprietary technology fits hundreds of OEM platforms with this large order shared cross three major power-system models:

  • SEA-Drive® 70 – contains 88 kilowatt hours (kWh)
  • SEA-Drive® 100 – contains 101 kilowatt hours (kWh)
  • SEA-Drive® 120 – contains 138 kilowatt hours (kWh)

Soundon’s world-class manufacturing operations are located on an eight square-mile footprint within the Hunan Province in China, and utilize a combination of robotics, high intelligence, high digitalization, and high automation to integrate a comprehensive smart-factory solution. From strict production and environmental management to quality assurance, the facility is first rate and is a leader in the new energy industry.

Wu Peng, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Soundon commented that “this is a significant milestone in our partnership with SEA Electric. Receiving this 1,000-unit order not only facilitates SEA Electric’s substantial global growth, but it also positions Soundon as a leader in the export market for commercial electric vehicles. It’s a winning proposition for all.”

Following substantial growth in new markets, SEA Electric recently announced it has closed initial private placement equity financing for total gross proceeds of approximately US$42 million. The net proceeds from the investment will allow SEA Electric to solidify its position as a market leader in the electrification of commercial vehicles whilst funding its considerable backlog and facilitating more pilot programs with operators.

With global headquarters and key leadership in Los Angeles, SEA Electric currently has operations in five countries and more than one million miles of independent Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) testing and in-service operation in all markets.

SEA Electric currently partners with commercial vehicle OEMs, dealers, operators and upfitters to deliver a new range of zero-emissions trucks and is on schedule to deliver more than 1,000 electric commercial vehicles this year. The company forecast is to have more than 15,000 vehicles on the road by the end of 2023.

Read the full article at Korea Bizwire published on March 25, 2021.

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SEA Launches Locally Assembled Electric Trucks and Tech Details

Wednesday, 24 March 2021 by Mark Davidson

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.

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SEA Electric Holdings Grows U.S. Leadership Team

Monday, 22 March 2021 by Mark Davidson

Chris Charlton named National Account Director – Bus and Fleet Transportation

LOS ANGELES, Calif., USA – March 19, 2021 – After its recent announcement of a $42 million equity financing investment, global automotive technology company SEA Electric expands its growth in the US market with increased leadership including the recent hire of Chris Charlton, National Accounts Director – Bus and Fleet Transportation. Charlton brings more than 25 years of experience including a diverse background in business development within the technology and digital marketing arenas.

Charlton’s immense technology acumen and experience includes involvement launching the largest start-up ($10 billion) at the time (Sprint PCS) now T-Mobile in 1998. His successes also included launching the first website in 2000 with $200+million in sales; the first camera phones in the US in 2002; and the 1st text message platform in 2004.

According to Tony Fairweather, president and founder of SEA Electric, Charlton will be taking his additional background as former director of business development for Collins Bus (Rev Group) in Kansas and spearheading the national growth for SEA Electric within the school bus fleet and transit shuttle portion of the company’s business. “A large portion of our business lies in the retrofitting of fleet units, and Chris’ vast experience will aid our abilities to grow partnerships with charging infrastructures and utilities nationwide.” Charlton will additionally be focusing on OEMs, contractors and the largest school district fleets.

“Sea Electric is providing substantial technological and cost-efficient solutions for electrification to school bus fleets, shuttles and overall commercial transit – it couldn’t be a more exciting time to join the company and foster exponential growth within the United States and Canada,” said Charlton. “It’s a very exciting time for the entire industry, but our company specifically is on a trajectory of expansion and I’m looking forward to playing a significant role.”

Following substantial growth in new markets, SEA Electric last week announced it has closed initial private placement equity financing for total gross proceeds of approximately US$42 million. The net proceeds from the investment will allow SEA Electric to solidify its position as a market leader in the electrification of commercial vehicles whilst funding its considerable backlog and facilitating more pilot programs with operators.

With global headquarters and key leadership in Los Angeles, SEA Electric currently has operations in five countries and more than one million miles of independent Original Equipment Manufacturer (“OEM”) testing and in-service operation in all markets.

SEA Electric currently partners with commercial vehicle OEM’s, dealers, operators and upfitters to deliver a new range of zero-emissions trucks and is on schedule to deliver more than 1,000 electric commercial vehicles this year. The company forecast is to have more than 15,000 vehicles on the road by the end of 2023.

Read the full article at School Transportation News, published on March 22, 2021.

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Electric commercial vehicle company SEA Electric raises $42M; partnership with Exro

Sunday, 14 March 2021 by Mark Davidson

SEA Electric Holdings Pty Ltd. recently closed initial private placement equity financing for total gross proceeds of approximately US$42 million. The net proceeds from the investment will allow SEA Electric to solidify its position in the electrification of commercial vehicles while funding its backlog and facilitating more pilot programs with operators.

SEA Electric was founded in Australia in 2012, with a proprietary electric power-system technology (known as SEA-Drive) for the world’s urban delivery and distribution fleets. With global headquarters in Los Angeles, SEA Electric currently has operations in five countries and more than one million miles of independent OEM testing and in-service operation in all markets.

According to President and Founder Tony Fairweather, the financing allows SEA Electric to accelerate its global sales efforts and further utilize its proprietary Sea-Drive 120b battery power system, while strengthening the delivery and distribution transportation segment for vehicles that operate in urban and metropolitan areas.

SEA Electric currently partners with commercial vehicle OEMs, dealers, operators and upfitters to deliver a new range of zero-emissions trucks and is on schedule to deliver more than 1,000 electric commercial vehicles this year. The company forecast is to have more than 15,000 vehicles on the road by the end of 2023.

We are also very excited to welcome Exro Technologies as a strategic partner and shareholder of SEA Electric. We look forward to expanding our partnership with Exro and helping to optimize the utilization of batteries in a second-life application.—Tony Fairweather

According to Fairweather, the collaboration with Exro will focus on utilizing electric truck batteries for energy storage applications. Exro and SEA Electric will co-develop Exro’s Battery Control System (BCS) for operational validation and take the next step toward leadership in power electronics for mobility and energy management.

Working closely with its shareholders, investors and partners including Exro, exclusive financial advisor Eight Capital and international law firm Vinson and Elkins on this financing round, Fairweather confirms the company will also be exploring options to seek a public listing in the United States this year. READ MORE

Article by Green Car Congress, 14 March 2021

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SHOCK OF THE NEW: PART 2

Thursday, 21 January 2021 by Jacque

This is the second part of ATN’s look at two of Australia’s electric commercial truck early adopters’ experience of their experiment in support of Ikea using SEA Electric-powered light rigids. In it, Paul Kahlert of All Purpose Transport and Finn Dunleavy of ANC explain the driver’s view, how the managers went about it and how they view the future.

DRIVERS’ TAKE 

What driver training was there?

PK: I covered this in the routing part of the response – the vehicle needs to be driven differently to an ICE truck to maximise the regenerative braking and battery performance. We now have a program where a new driver travels as the ‘offsider’ for deliveries where they can see the different driving style and discuss this with an experienced driver.

FD: ANC selected some of our best delivery teams to become our first EV [electric vehicle] drivers. They were accomplished professional drivers already, but there was a learning curve in transitioning to driving a commercial EV. SEA played a crucial role, by providing training days and putting technicians in the trucks with our teams for the first month out on the road.

What was their attitude before?

PK: When the vehicle appeared at our depot, the initial response from the drivers was curiosity – they all climbed in the cabin, walked around the vehicle and commented that it was ‘just a Hino’. There was some scepticism from the older drivers who were quick to criticise the short delivery range, even though their ICE vehicle drove a similar distance with their planned routes. Comments were made such as: “I hope you have got a long extension lead”/”Do you want me to bring my camping generator to put in the back.”

FD: Unsure but excited.

And after?

PK: Drivers who have driven the vehicle all comment on the lack of vibration, ability to hear road users and speed off the mark as what they like. Our business model is using owner-drivers, so there is now an emerging appetite on when they can have one of these vehicles. Each day, the vehicle loads out of the Ikea warehouse adjacent to ICE vehicles – from the drivers’ perspective it is ‘just another truck performing home deliveries’.

FD: Surprised and over the moon. The drivers were blown away by the differences between what they had known about driving a truck and what the new EV vehicle offered them.

How did they handle the increased acceleration of an EV? Any speeding tickets?

PK: The driving teams have learnt that if you ‘drive it like you stole it’ from the lights, you will quickly diminish the range of the vehicle. It has become a ‘badge of honour’ for the driver to do the most distance and return the vehicle with highest battery percentage left.

[As for speeding tickets] fortunately no. We have the vehicle branded with Ikea, so it is important that our driving teams are seen as responsible road users. This is company equipment and we have strong COR [Chain of Responsibility] processes that would not support speeding tickets.

FD: The EV trucks are incredibly responsive and agile, but they are also an 8,000kg truck running at full capacity, and they are governed to 110km per hour. Sustainability is important, but the safety of our people and of the general public is even more important.

How did they adjust to the silence of an EV?

PK: An unintended consequence of the silence is that the vehicle primarily delivers in residential areas. Traditional ICE trucks have engine noise that can alert pedestrians, so I have jokingly suggested that we should play ‘Mr Whippy’ music from the truck to warn pedestrians about the vehicles’ presence.

FD: Delivery teams found the quieter cabin environment a fantastic change to their day. Most truck drivers are used to sitting above a hot, vibrating, noisy engine, but in the EVs that is all gone, and they found communicating with customers prior to arriving at the delivery much easier to do in the new, improved cabin space.

How about brake use?

PK: Drivers like the vehicle ‘automatically’ restricting itself on the downward ascent.

FD: Regenerative braking is something they had to learn, in order to improve the energy recovery back to the battery packs, but it was all handled in the first week of on-road training with the team from SEA.

What did they report to management during the project?

PK: As above.

FD: In the beginning, ‘range anxiety’ was a big issue for the drivers, but after around two weeks, when they were more comfortable, all the feedback was nothing but good. We did have the odd day where charging issues overnight contributed to the vehicle not having enough charge to do a full day’s work, however, that was not an issue with the trucks but rather the charging equipment.

Are there any quotes from them?

PK: As above.

FD: Feedback from some of our drivers: “The EV is quieter and smoother than the diesel trucks. They’re great for driving in the local area and city driving. The customers love the EVs! They have a very positive impact at the delivery point, with customers intrigued to know which company the truck belongs to and whose initiative it was. We confirm it’s a partnership between Ikea and ANC.”

“Three to four days a week, customers ask questions about the EV such as ‘how many kilometres can the truck travel?’ and ‘how do you feel about driving it?’ We’ve even had customers calling their friends while we were on-site to say they just had a delivery by an EV!”

CLICK HERE FOR FULL ARTICLE covering “Management Experience”, and the “Future of EV”

Article by Fullyloaded.com.au ATN, Rob McKay, 21st January 2021

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SHOCK OF THE NEW: PART 1

Thursday, 21 January 2021 by Jacque

Australia’s electric commercial trucks operational experience is still in its infancy but early Australian adopters are in a position to explain what it took to get this experiment on the road and what was learnt from it, in part one of a two-part series

While it might seem electric trucks have had at least a decade to prove their worth in Australia, the reality is that the country is only starting a journey that will be decades in the making.

Certainly, a few test vehicles found their way into a couple of the nation’s biggest fleets a decade ago or more.

But that can be seen as only the conception becoming a reality – a move at the cutting edge globally, before hydrogen fuel cell technology became something politicians and mainstream pundits knew about.

To gauge just how early we really are in the cycle, fast forward to 2020 and the reality is that there still is only one purveyor of commercial vehicle battery electric propulsion: SEA Electric.

Some competition is promised for the Victorian company that is now making progress in North America and has the local market, such as it is, to itself.

This, at a time when some customers are doing what they can to make their vehicle emissions reduction pledges a reality – global firm Ikea being one, but not the only one – and doing so on our shores using local transport companies.

Keep in mind also that the biggest vehicle in this effort is a light rigid.

Given the first steps have now been taken in what is effectively the start of the proof of concept stage and an experiment rivalling anything seen in Europe, ATN approached All Purpose Transport (APT) and ANC to gauge where they have taken us.

Each has had a year or more to work out how to set themselves up for EV use and how most effectively to use and work with them. APT, in the form of general manager Paul Kahlert (PK), and ANC, through national account manager Finn Dunleavy (FD), were able to respond quite comprehensively in a Q&A.

The questions sought insights into five main subjects: expectations, planning and testing, routes, truck performance and drivers’ experience. CLICK HERE FOR FULL ARTICLE

Article by Fullyloaded.com.au ATN, Rob McKay, 21st January 2021

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