SEA Launches Locally Assembled Electric Trucks and Tech Details
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.
SEA Electric Holdings Grows U.S. Leadership Team
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.
- Published in Articles, E-Range, Media Release, Mobile, News, SEA-Drive, Technology
Electric commercial vehicle company SEA Electric raises $42M; partnership with Exro
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
- Published in Articles, E-Range, Media Release, Mobile, Networking, News, SEA-Drive, Technology