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EnergyAustralia & SEA Electric Form Strategic Partnership for EV Transition

Tuesday, 02 August 2022 by Jacque

Leading energy retailer and generator EnergyAustralia has joined forces with commercial eMobility manufacturer SEA Electric in a strategic partnership, which will assist in accelerating the transition to clean energy for the nation’s truck fleets.

At the cornerstone of the offering, EnergyAustralia will work with SEA Electric clients in tailoring a zero-harm, bespoke solution for their energy needs.

With leading knowledge of the technicalities involved with shifting fleets to green transport solutions, customised advice can be provided on depot development, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, retail contracts, and rooftop solar, batteries and energy management software solutions.

By providing future-fuel road maps for e-fleets and transport depots, EnergyAustralia has demonstrated that transitioning completely to zero carbon, green energy-driven fleets is achievable today.

Jack Kotlyar, EnergyAustralia’s Head of NextGen, says that the company’s partnership with SEA Electric means customers get an end-to-end solution for their electric transportation needs.

“When you get your electric truck from SEA Electric, you need a way to charge it. This is where EnergyAustralia can help, providing electric vehicle charging infrastructure for your depot. Plus, we can provide expert advice on a range of other aspects which involve unique considerations in the case of e-fleets, including fleet routes, grid connection, retail contracts and solar/batteries.

“And all our solutions are implemented in a safe, zero-harm way for our people and environment.

“We look forward to working with SEA Electric to deliver greener cities, cleaner communities and quieter neighbourhoods,” said Jack.

SEA Electric is leading the world in the all-electric truck and bus space, with products deployed on five continents having completed over two million kilometres of successful usage since 2017.

In Australia, the company produces the world’s first true range of all-new electric trucks, with the Melbourne assembled vehicles ranging from 4.5t car licence models through to 22.5t three-axle rigids.

“SEA Electric is proud to partner with EnergyAustralia as we build our all-encompassing ecosystem of products and partners across the country,” said Bill Gillespie, President, Asia Pacific Region, SEA Electric.

“While we are experts in producing commercial vehicles that are fit for purpose, EnergyAustralia are the specialists in providing the best possible advice when it comes to energy supply solutions.

“By understanding a business’s energy needs, now and into the future, EnergyAustralia can provide an appropriate plan that will ensure there is adequate energy to power an entire fleet of EVs, with the right charging and energy transmission infrastructure in place.

“When compared to a traditional internal combustion-engine vehicles, the benefits of moving to Electric Vehicles extend far beyond energy efficiencies.

“For example, from an operational perspective, lower maintenance and running costs are a given, with the elimination of diesel consumption and fewer moving parts minimises service costs and downtime.

“Our users can expect to recover any purchase price premium within a maximum of five years.

“Ultimately, the strategic partnership aims to provide certainty on both energy costs, and the green credentials of the energy that is used.”

For further details on EnergyAustralia, visit www.energyaustralia.com.au, greentransport@energyaustralia.com.au or for more information on the SEA Electric range of solutions, plus details on the brand’s nationwide dealer network, visit www.sea-electric.com/en_au.

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SEA Electric adds EV vet as new VP of Sales

Wednesday, 13 July 2022 by Jacque

EV industry leader Bill Williams joins the SEA Electric team.

Article by Service Truck Magazine, Mathew MacDonald, July 13 2022

Global commercial eMobility innovators SEA Electric have signed EV (electric vehicle) industry leader Bill Williams as its new Vice President of Sales.

Williams has over 25 years of experience in the EV sector through a range of executive positions, which SEA expects will provide unique insight as the market continues its rapid expansion.

“It’s fantastic to have Bill join us as SEA Electric takes the next steps in our rapid growth across the globe,” said Tony Fairweather, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of SEA Electric.

He continued: “His passion and insight into the development of the EV movement have made him a trusted spokesperson in the industry, and have earned him the title of ‘The EVangelist’.

“Bill has previously presented at the Pentagon, to the US Department of Transportation, and the US Department of Energy, while also sitting on the Electric School Bus Steering Committee, among a range of positions that make him a highly valuable addition to the team as we move forward.”

Previous to serving as the Executive Vice President at EV specialists Endera, Williams was the Director of Commercial Sales at Proterra, Inc., focusing on commuter shuttle and transportation solutions for airports, universities, and major corporations.

It was there where he was responsible for growing the business’s airport deployments to include JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, and San Jose Airports, as well as at Harvard University, the University of Georgia, and the full bus fleet electrification at Alabama A&M.

Prior to joining Proterra, Williams spent six years working on a range of EV infrastructure and smart city projects, with a highlight being when he convinced Elon Musk and the SpaceX team to install 30 level-one chargers in that company’s parking structure.

“I’m thrilled to join the team at SEA Electric,” related Williams. “After working in the industry from charging equipment, battery design, to complete vehicle manufacturing, the electric drive train is truly what will move successful EV Adoption for the truck and school bus fleets around the globe.

“SEA Electric has one of the most efficient solutions for existing vehicles and new ones to be electrified.”

Founded in Australia in 2012, but now headquartered in Los Angeles, California, SEA Electric has gained recognition globally for its proprietary SEA-Drive power-system—a solution for a wide range of commercial transport applications.

Offering market-leading performance, efficiency and value for money, the system has found favor for adoption in truck, bus and van platforms.

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SEA Electric Showcase at National General Assembly 2022

Friday, 08 July 2022 by Jacque

SEA Electric has featured its ready-for-deployment electric commercial vehicles at the 2022 National General Assembly (NGA22) in front of 1,000 delegates from 537 local councils.

Article by Eco Voice, July 8 2022

Organised by the Australian Local Government Association, the event drew together the key decision makers from municipalities across the country, with SEA Electric featuring prominently in the exhibition section, while also having a SEA 300-85 EV available for sampling in the ride and drive activity.

The company was also front and centre for the opening reception, and the General Assembly dinner, which was held at EPIC Canberra.

“For SEA Electric, NGA22 was an outstanding success, with many Mayors, Councilors and CEOs from the local government space making contact with us for the first time,” said Bill Gillespie, SEA Electric President, Asia Pacific Region.

“The sector is a very important one for SEA Electric, as many councils from around Australia have been early adopters of our technology.

“From tripper trucks to refuse vehicles, multi-use park works trucks and everything in between, we have found success adapting our products to a wide range of final tasks.

“We have found that councils have a mandate and willingness to make the switch to sustainable technology, and we have a suite of options that are proven in the field, and now available from a nationwide dealer network.

“Further to this, we have developed extensive experience in preparing organisations for their transition to electric powered fleets, while our extensive aftersales offering includes all the support you would expect from a modern OEM.”

This aftersales assistance includes full factory warranties, 24/7 phone support and roadside assistance provided through NTI, as well as a comprehensive service network across the country.

Assembled in Australia, SEA Electric leads the world in terms of a comprehensive range of all-electric, zero-emissions trucks, that cover from 4.5t car licence models through to 22.5t three-axle rigids.

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Switched on Trucking

Thursday, 07 July 2022 by Jacque

Since its inception in 2012, Australian manufacturer SEA Electric has grown a global reputation for its innovative electric power system solutions for commercial vehicles.

Article by Prime Mover Magazine, July 7 2022

In 2017, SEA Electric began performing driveline swaps on existing internal combustion engine (ICE) powered trucks, and now at its immaculate Melbourne facility has moved to fitting its patented SEA-Drive power-system to new Semi Knocked Down (SKD) cab-chassis kits sourced from Hino.

The new range wears the latest SEA Electric badging and branding, complete with its own compliance plate and full three-year factory warranty.

The Hino cabs come fully trimmed and the finished vehicles are almost indiscernible from their parentage.

This move, to series production in Australia, has resulted in SEA Electric becoming the country’s latest OEM, with the trucks available via a nationwide network of established and accredited dealers, and fully backed by a comprehensive aftersales offering including factory warranties and roadside service through NTI Truck Assist.

Australia’s road freight sector accounts for 38 per cent of country’s total transport emissions and electric vehicles are expected to play an increasing role in the journey to net zero by 2050.

Operationally, lower maintenance and running costs are possible with electric trucks, with the cost of consumption of diesel fuel eliminated, and by having fewer moving parts service costs are minimised with SEA Electric scheduling a routine four-hour inspection at a dealer every six months.

Minimal wear on service brakes will be one adjunct reward given the use of the regenerative braking available when the motor is in over-run. Using standard off-peak electricity prices of 15 cents per kWh, SEA Electric says it currently costs around $14 per day to charge from the grid, and even less if solar power is used.

SEA Electric’s own Melbourne facility is now powered by a 100kW rooftop solar power system. Future-proofed with an upgradable plug and play architecture, the SEA-Drive power-system can be charged using 415Volt 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 drivers’ breaks or vehicle loading.The fast-charging option enables a charging rate four times faster than standard, and offers range extending top-ups during drivers’ breaks or vehicle loading.

The electric motor used in the passenger licence category SEA 300/45 model delivers an impressive 700Nm of torque and 140kW of power. The larger SEA 500 medium-duty EV truck range is available in either 4×2 or 6×2 axle configurations with a maximum body length of 8,930mm and a GVM range between 15 or 22.5 tonnes.

The drivetrain is currently available in four specifications, ranging from 180HP/700Nm, through to 470HP/3,500Nm, with various battery capacities available between 88kWh and 220kWh.

The initial focus for SEA Electric trucks includes applications associated with municipal and regional local government authorities and includes tippers, garbage compactors and elevated work platforms.

First and last mile delivery operations are a logical target as well and IKEA has been one of the early Australian adopters of SEA Electric trucks. “Many of these large fleets utilise their vehicles for less than half of a 24 hour day.

The balance is spent in depot yards, where rooftop solar panels can generate ample power supply to fully charge their batteries,” says Tony Fairweather, SEA Electric Founder and CEO.

The battery packs are located between the chassis rails to achieve a low centre of gravity and to protect the batteries from accidental damage by items such as bollards or errant forklifts.

During a series of brief test drives two factors stand out when driving the SEA Electric trucks: the outstanding initial torque which is available instantly from start off, and the quietness of the trucks’ operation.

With the windows up and the radio off the only noise discernible is from the air conditioning fan and with the windows wound down the hum of the tyres on the pavement is the most noticeable sound.

Inside the cab the familiar multi-media unit found in most Japanese trucks has been configured to provide additional information including the state of battery charge and the anticipated driving range.

The wand used to operate engine exhaust brakes on diesel models activates the very effective electric retardation which also diverts energy back to the batteries, recharging on the go and extending the range prior to being connected to a charger.

A touch pad is located in the gear lever position to enable the selection of forward and reverse gears.

The move to using knock-down chassis and cab kits from a recognised global manufacturer strengthens the case for SEA Electric vehicles and has enabled the company to concentrate on its patented software system that delivers high torque with low stress similarly to diesel engines in commercial vehicle applications.

“SEA Electric is already in the process of working with our tier one supply base to develop components better suited to our needs from batteries through to charging systems,” says Glen Walker, Vice President, SEA Electric, Asia Pacific Region.

“These co-developments will be increasingly proprietary.” Glen comes from an 18-year career at Kenworth Australia which included roles as Chief Engineer of Kenworth Trucks, and Group Operations and National Sales Manager. He is also a board member of the Australian Electric Vehicle Council. Glen explains the total cost of ownership of an electric vehicle compared to one powered by an internal combustion engine.

“If you pay cash for an EV and cash for an ICE today, the premium for the EV is fully refunded in a little under five years,” Glen says.

“From then on it is profoundly positive. In relation to diesel use, more or less, distance travelled respectively shortens or lengthens this payback period. Alternatively with the appropriate finance package, the vehicle can be cash-flow positive from month one.”

The SEA-Drive power-system had previously been offered to the market as a retrofit option for existing internal combustion engine powered vehicles. The fresh process of assembling the trucks from new results in less wastage, quicker build times and lower costs.

The current Melbourne factory building is being doubled in size and while SEA Electric is well on its way to become an Australian success story, the company firmly has its sights set on global leadership, with a presence now across five continents.

It has already been particularly successful in the United States where its technologies have been adapted to both trucks and buses.

An order was placed in late 2021 for 1,150 EV trucks and SEA Electric has partnered with Midwest Transit Equipment (MTE), one of the largest school bus dealers in the United States, to update 10,000 school buses with battery-electric power-systems, the biggest deal of its kind to date.

Prior to the May Federal election the Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reductions announced a program which will see the additional funding of up to $127.9 million made available to support the integration of electric vehicle technologies into both light and heavy vehicle fleets in Australia.

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Electric School Bus U.S. Market Study and Buyer’s Guide: A Resource for School Bus Operators Pursuing Fleet Electrification

Monday, 13 June 2022 by Nikki Anderson

This publication is intended to serve as a resource primarily for school districts and transportation directors exploring school bus electrification and provide them with a better understanding of the state of the electric school bus market and available offerings. It aims to present the growing interest and investment in the sector along with key aspects of the current technology. A scan of the market explores the growing demand for these buses and how manufacturers are positioning themselves to meet that demand. The catalog presents electric school bus models available today with detailed vehicle specifications allowing readers to compare various models and weigh important considerations.

Highlights
School districts across the United States have started the transition to electric school buses (ESBs). As of March 2022, 415 districts (or private fleet operators) had committed to the use of 12,275 ESBs across 38 states and a range of operating conditions. States and municipalities are setting electrification goals while manufacturers scale production.

Compared to the typical school bus that runs on diesel fuel, ESBs have the potential to lower operation and maintenance costs for fleets and have zero tailpipe emissions. Their large batteries can store and deliver energy using “vehicle-to-everything” technology, to power buildings and other devices, which can support greater resiliency including through the integration of renewable energy. ESBs also have the potential to generate revenue by discharging energy from their batteries back onto the grid, lowering utility costs and emissions. Though this is a nascent market, technological advancements are due to make this widely available in the near future.

Currently, 22 ESB models are available from 12 manufacturers for Type A, C and D buses: 14 newly manufactured vehicle models and eight repowered vehicle models. There is the largest selection of Type A models. Type C models are the most commercially ready.

Each generation of buses is more advanced than the previous: many manufacturers are on their second or third iteration, some even further along. The newest models possess a battery range to serve more than 99% of routes in the U.S. (School Transportation News 2021a).

Context
Momentum around electric school buses (ESBs) is growing in the United States as school districts across the country transition to this cleaner and healthier technology, bolstered by an upcoming infusion of new funding from the federal government. The ESB transition will require a coordinated effort among numerous entities, including school district leadership and staff; school bus manufacturers and contractors; utilities; policy makers; regulators; local advocacy organizations; and community members.

This publication is intended to serve as a resource primarily for school districts, transportation directors, and other school bus operators exploring school bus electrification to provide a better understanding of the state of the ESB market and available offerings. It aims to present the growing interest and investment in this sector along with key aspects of the current technology. In the “Status of the Electric School Bus Market” section, we explore the growing demand for these buses and how manufacturers are positioning themselves to meet that demand through a scan of the market. Next, in “Bus Basics,” we explain key components of an ESB and discuss the charging and related infrastructure that is needed to support these buses. The core element of the publication presents a catalog of the 22 ESB models available as of early 2022 with detailed vehicle specifications allowing readers to compare various models and weigh important considerations. We conclude by summarizing the status of school bus electrification to date.

Approach and Methodology
The content of this publication has been gathered from a variety of sources, compiling information on models available in the U.S. from publicly available vehicle specifications sheets confirmed through discussions with bus manufacturers when possible.

We explore school district experiences with ESBs representing a variety of use cases in the U.S. – rural, suburban and urban; warm and cold weather, including extreme temperatures; and early adopters further along in their process as well as those in earlier stages of procurement. We compiled recent research and reporting on school district commitments and experiences and supplemented public information with conversations with school districts and other partners. We plan to update this publication annually as new vehicles come to market and existing models are altered.

This resource is one of many from WRI’s Electric School Bus Initiative and is intended to be updated to expand upon topics like funding and financing, alternative service models and utility engagement.

Download the full report at World Resources Institute published on June 10, 2022.

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SEA Electric partners for roadside assistance

Sunday, 12 June 2022 by Nikki Anderson

AUSTRALIA’S sole volume electric truck maker, SEA Electric, has partnered with NTI Truck Assist to give national support to its growing list of SEA owners and operators.
It gives owners 24/7 coverage and support through metro and regional areas and reinforces the expansion of SEA truck sales and the growing acceptance of EVs used for commercial delivery and haulage.

SEA Electric president for Asia Pacific, Bill Gillespie, told GoAutoNews Premium that his company has “normalised the process for companies to convert to all-electric fleets”.

“Our ties with NTI provides SEA Electric customers with the confidence that a specialist truck call centre is supporting their investment around the clock,” he said.

The assistance program is national and is for the life of the SEA Electric vehicle’s warranty period of three years or 150,000km.

“Primarily, it’s about building a better customer outcome,” Mr Gillespie said.

“Having a call centre of NTI’s calibre means our customers are talking 24/7 to experienced people who can solve any problems with the vehicle.

“NTI CEO Tony Clark said his company really wanted to be part of this program and get onboard with the zero-emission transport world.”

Mr Gillespie said NTI has recovery vehicles throughout Australia.

“They can do a systems check – with high voltage tests – or basic systems check on the vehicle,” he said.

“If they can’t get the truck operating again then it would be on the tilt tray straight back to the dealer.

“Primarily they’re operating within the range of a dealership.”

He said there aren’t trucks operating between regional centres at the moment but the NTI partnership ensures support for trucks in rural areas.

Mr Gillespie said SEA Electric – which uses Hino trucks as the basis for its all-EV, self-branded models – had orders for about 200 trucks that were now being built.

Trucks operating are in local government authorities, private operators and large corporate fleets, with trials being undertaken by corporations including Woolworths in Sydney and Melbourne, and Ikea.

“We have trucks in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria and more recently, some sales in Tasmania,” he said.

“We have dealers in every part of Australia – two each in Sydney and Melbourne, throughout Tasmania, one in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, plus one on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast – and regional centres such as Wodonga and Cairns. So we have coverage.

“We are targeting major metropolitan areas but we also have strong interest from local governments in suburbs and in regions. There is no shortage of demand and interest in EVs for commercial applications.”

He said local governments had been enthusiastic about the electric truck.

“A lot of councils have a desire to lower their carbon footprint,” he said.

“Australia has 537 councils and we have already sold to about 10 councils. There’s a really big opportunity in Australia for electric trucks in delivery routes.

“As an example, we also have two small home delivery, refrigerated trucks on trial in Sydney and Melbourne,” he said.

“It is a world-first to run full electric, refrigerated trucks. We are also in discussions with other companies, including Coles and Toll.”

Mr Gillespie said that there are no government incentives, at the moment, for individuals and corporations to move to electric trucks.

“We’ve been lobbying state and federal governments – the state governments in Queensland and Victoria particularly – and have had discussions about the possibility of offering tax incentives for companies to choose zero-emission vehicles,” he said.

“There’s a range of things that governments can do but up to this point there’s been no money on the table for companies wishing to choose a zero-emission alternative. So we’re still working with the government.”

Mr Gillespie said SA Electric has 15 dealers in Australia who are sales, service and parts outlets, and then other Hino dealers will in time become parts and service back-up dealers.

“There are nearly 50 dealers around Australia that will be able to handle backup and support for the trucks and we’re probably six months away from having that in place,” he said.

“We’re also looking at up to five service people in each state. The truck is serviced by the dealer and the warranty handled by the dealer. If the warranty work is related to the truck, it goes to Hino. If it’s electrical, we take care of that.”

Mr Gillespie said SEA Electric was now working with the network in high-voltage training.

Asked about SEA Electric’s future plans, Mr Gillespie said the company had no plans to move to hydrogen fuel-cell units as a propulsion system for long-distance trucks.

“I don’t think that battery electric is going to be the way to go for long distance work at this point,” he said.

“I know that there are long-range electric highways being built – for example, in Queensland – and that in time, with fast charging and enough energy in these areas, EVs can have the ability for long distances.

“But Australia sells about 22,000 light and medium-duty trucks each year. That means what we are selling at the moment doesn’t even scratch the surface. Even if we make 1000 electric trucks in Australia, where we’re a mile away from having to worry about the long-distance truck segment.

“So we’re very aware of the huge opportunities available to us in the urban, metro and regional markets. We have enough activity thre without thinking about long-distance trucks.”

Continue reading the full article at Go Auto Premium by Neil Dowling published on June 12, 2022.

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SEA Electric showcases Class 6 chassis at ACT Expo – European product offering coming soon

Wednesday, 08 June 2022 by Nikki Anderson

USA – Sea Electric Holdings Pty Ltd, based in Los Angeles, California, showcased a Class 6 EV stripped chassis at the ACT Expo in Long Beach. Named the SV6, the firm states that the chassis is suitable for all urban applications up to a GVWR of 22,000lbs (9,980kg).

Featuring the company’s proprietary SEA-Drive 120b system, the chassis outputs 335bhp and 2,580lb-ft of torque. Fitted with a 138kWh battery pack, an unladen vehicle can expect a range of 170 miles (270km).

The firm states that due to the medium-voltage architecture of the SEA-Drive system, there is no requirement for active thermal management of the batteries. As a result, the firm claims that its solution is the lightest, most cost-affective, and most efficient system available in the last-mile delivery segment. Durability testing for the chassis is set to commence in Q3 2022, with series production expected to begin in Q1 2023. Conditional orders are currently being taken.

Speaking to Truck & Bus Builder, Tony Fairweather, CEO and Founder of SEA Electric said:

The chassis is a product that can be scaled up and down, but it is primarily intended for the North American step van market. We also intend to homologate it to R100/03 standards so that it is compliant with European regulations. As much as this product is already suitable for Europe, we are looking at a 7.5 tonne variant (Class 4), and some of our customers are already aware that we have intentions to produce an SV5 and SV4 chassis.

Expanding on the company’s plans for Europe, Fairweather added:

Europe is on the horizon, we have already set up wholly owned subsidiaries in the UK, and in Vienna, Austria, with our first employees on the ground and our first product under development. We also have had a product operating in South Africa with Isuzu since before Covid and that has been progressing really well. Also, we have launched our
first Toyota-based product in Indonesia.

Tony Fairweather, CEO of SEA Electric, speaking at the ACT Expo

Responding to the launch of competing products in this segment, such as the chassis unveiled by Blue Bird Corp at ACT Expo, Fairweather said:

The main point of difference between our product and its competition is that we have a proven platform that has operated with UPS for three years and has been validated by them. Tested in some of the harshest environments in the US, our products ran through cold winters in Michigan and through summer trials in Arizona. As a result, we’re able to operate in -20°C (-4°F) to 60° C (140°F). Anyone else showing a chassis on the ground right now has not been through the rigorous testing that we have put our products through.

SEA Electric was initially founded in Australia in 2012, before moving its headquarters to Los Angeles to focus on offering its products to the much larger North American market. Commenting on this shift in strategy, Fairweather said:

Developing and establishing technology in Australia, with zero incentives back then, meant that we had to think outside of the box in terms of creativity. Customers in this space want three outcomes: the lowest cost solution, the lightest weight solution, and the most miles per kilowatt hour. Not having incentives in Australia at the time meant we had to take that into consideration during development. A few other companies that were early to this space, based in California, took advantage of schemes like HVIP and it has not done them any favours in terms of what they have created. They’re developing higher voltage, heavier, and costlier solutions which has impacted heavily in those three categories. Now, Australia has more incentives and we’re expanding there as well as in New Zealand. What I wanted to do before relocating to the US was ensuring we had an excellent, proven product with high-mileage testing completed. As an outsider coming to the US, if you arrive here saying you’re the bee’s knees without any proof of it, they’ll squash you pretty quickly – we’ve come here with a million miles of testing, we were active in four countries before coming here.

On funding, Fairweather said:

California and the East Coast in the US are doing a great job in terms of funding. However, governments cannot incentivise too much to support the electrification of diesel vehicles in this space. The middle of America really needs to catch up and there needs to be more consistency and standardisation across individual states and countries.

Continue reading the full article at Truck and Bus Builder by Will Hall published on June 7, 2022.

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SEA Electric Statement – New Australian Federal Government

Monday, 30 May 2022 by Nikki Anderson
SEA Electric Australia

Bill Gillespie, SEA Electric’s President, Asia Pacific Region has made this statement relating to the weekend’s Federal election result.

“We congratulate the new Federal Government on their election success over the weekend, and we look forward to working with them in the coming years to advance the uptake of electric vehicles across the nation,” said Mr Gillespie.

“As Australia moves towards our net zero emissions goals, it is imperative that the country embraces sustainable technology that delivers real results.

“Locally, emissions from the road transport task make up 19 per cent of the country’s total emissions, with heavy vehicles contributing 38 per cent of that total.

“SEA Electric is the country’s sole manufacturer of light and medium duty all-electric trucks, with our plant in Melbourne leading the world with products that are available right now from a nationwide dealer network, complete with factory warranties and a comprehensive aftersales support offering.

“Throughout the lead up to the election, the Australian Labor Party has noted several key policies, such as the Driving the Nation Fund, the National Reconstruction Fund, and the Powering Australia plan, which have the potential to be positives for EV adoption and furthering local manufacturing.

“The EV movement in Australia has a bright future, and we are excited to be at the forefront.”

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The SEA is rising

Wednesday, 11 May 2022 by Nikki Anderson
SEA SV6 EV Step Van

SEA Electric showcased its latest developments on a Class 6 SV6 EV stripped chassis at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo, to be held at Long Beach, California, from May 9-12, 2022, the largest clean fleet event of its type.

Founded in Australian in 2012, SEA Electric created electric power-system technology—aka SEA-Drive—as a vehicle solution provider for the world’s urban delivery and distribution fleets, as well as front powered school bus applications.

It states that its SEA-Drive power-system, leads the industry in terms of range, driving performance, weight and environmental credentials, with zero local emissions of carbon dioxide, methane or nitrous oxide.

With its medium-voltage architecture and no requirement for active thermal management of batteries, SEA Electric said its solution is the lightest, most cost-effective and most efficient system available in the battery-electric last-mile delivery segment.

“Major fleets across the country that utilize a step van platform understand that zero-emissions power-systems are now proven and the way forward,” stated Tony Fairweather, founder and Chief Executive Officer of SEA Electric.

He said: “With the SEA SV6 EV, we bring to the market a complete package that offers all of the functionality required from these vehicles, complete with a proven, reliable all-electric architecture that leads the industry.”

Fairweather offered that one of the more exciting things about the world shifting to electric vehicles, is the V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) capabilities of the system, which he explained would form the basis of the future energy ecosystem.

“With only 100,000 SV6 EVs on the road, it would represent the equivalent of the entire battery storage capacity that is currently available across the US,” he continued. “The switch to zero emissions deliveries has environmental advantages, but importantly, provides mobile battery storage and paves the way to improved power grid security.”

Powered by the SEA-Drive 120b power-system, the SV6 EV covers applications with a GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) up to 22,000lbs (Class 6), with its 335hp and 2,580lb-ft performance ratings ideal for any urban driving situation.

It utilizes a 138kWh battery pack for the platform, delivering a class-leading unladen range of up to 170 miles, while also capable of being configured for fast charging at up to 80kW.

The SV6 EV platform is packed with specialist innovations unique to the segment.

From all-encompassing telematics, including a smartphone app, back-end portal and integrated digital instrument cluster from Valid, to EV-specific tires with a low rolling resistance, and an angular sensor on the electric power steering system, which actively conserves power, the advancements are numerous.

The package will have the standard inclusions and optional extras comparable with any similar vehicle currently available, including driver comfort and safety items, which can be incorporated into popular body types, with various width and wheelbase options available. Examples include: Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems include; Automatic Emergency Braking, Distance Alert/Distance Indication, Post-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Driver Alert System and Auto-High Beam Control

For delivery drivers, the SV6 EV provides a comfortable work environment, with health and safety considerations including no noise, fumes, heat, or vibrations, while fleets can rest assured with class-leading warranty, and with extended warranties also available.

Durability testing for the package is set to commence in Q3 2022, with volume assembly to begin in Q1 2023, with conditional orders currently being taken.

Further announcements regarding Class 3 to 5 SEA SV stripped chassis models will be made in due course.

Although founded in Australia, SEA Electric maintains its headquarters in Torrance, California, with its global engineering center in Grimes, Iowa. Its electric commercial vehicles can be found in the US, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Indonesia, and South Africa with over 1-million miles of independently OEM (original equipment manufacturer)-tested and in-service international operation.

Continue reading the full article at Service Truck Magazine by Matthew MacDonald published on May 11, 2022.

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Can Australian-made electric trucks keep our cities moving?

Tuesday, 10 May 2022 by Nikki Anderson
SEA Electric Factory

As things have started to open up after Covid-19 restrictions eased across Australia, noise pollution from trucks has been gradually on the rise. But can electrification of trucks in Australia help solve that?

I commonly hear the complaint: “Australian automotive manufacturing is gone”.

It’s true that we don’t make Holdens, Toyotas or Fords anymore, but automotive manufacturing is still alive and here in 2022. I got to see it in action recently at SEA Electric’s factory in southeast Melbourne.

Australian-made EV trucks: quiet achievers
One thing that blew me away when I test drove SEA’s trucks in April was how quiet they were off the line and how much easier it was for the drivers to get in and start driving.

The cabin was quieter and did not have the vibrations coming off a diesel engine which is always there even if the truck is stopped at a set of lights.

This eases driver fatigue which we know contributes to road toll. So these trucks are not only quieter, but they are safer on our roads too. Drivers are more aware of their surrounding traffic with less noise and vibration.

Could quieter electric trucks increase house values?
On the road, EV trucks like those made by SEA Electric produce much less noise which is better for residents of homes on main-roads across Australia.

As more and more EV trucks and cars get onto our roads, our main roads would get less noisier which could lead to an increase in house values too.

Future of EV trucks
Many of us have heard that “without trucks, Australia stops”. It’s true as road freight is such an integral part of our transport network and the way we live.

As we move towards a cleaner future and decarbonise transport, EV trucks will play a major role in that transition. This would lead to cleaner and quieter cities and if these trucks are Australian made right here like SEA Electric trucks are in Melbourne, it’ll help us quietly achieve that transition a lot quicker.

Continue reading the full article at The Driven by Riz Akhtar published on May 11, 2022.

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Hybrid diesel, full electric or hydrogen? Long-haul transport’s future could still go in any direction

Thursday, 14 April 2022 by Nikki Anderson
SEA 300 EV 616 Driving

While many observers firmly believe that the future of long-haul trucking around the world will rely on hydrogen-powered fuel-cell technology, one Australian who is at the absolute forefront of electric trucking isn’t so sure about that.

Bill Gillespie, Asia-Pacific Regional President of Melbourne-based electric truck manufacturer, SEA Electric, told CarsGuide that we should be wary of ruling out alternative technologies in favour of a single option.

“I’m not saying we won’t see the hydrogen fuel-cell play a big part in long-haul transport,” he said, “but Hydrogen might turn out to be one part of the potential solution.”

“The big problem with any powertrain is that the heavier it is, the more compromised the payload becomes. But even that doesn’t rule out batteries of some sort playing a part.”

Replaceable batteries are one alternative, Mr Gillespie said.

In fact, NSW Central Coast-based Janus Electric is already working on a prime-mover that uses replaceable batteries based on a change-station network on major arterials.

Although still in the prototype stage, Janus claims that a battery swap will take about three minutes and would give a B-Double a range of between 400-500km on a battery-set.

But Mr Gillespie has dived even further into the alternatives, and says that a hybrid-diesel could also be a reality.

This is well-established technology and has been used to power freight trains for decades. Fundamentally, a diesel engine produces the electricity to drive the electric motors that power the train’s wheels. There’s absolutely no reason it couldn’t work for a road-train as well.

In the meantime, SEA Electric’s focus remains on the light- and medium-truck market which is primarily used for urban work where range is not as much of an issue as it is for long-haul trucks.

While these urban-based trucks tend to fly under the radar a little, when they’re counted as a group, the potential benefits of electrification start to add up.

About 21,000 medium and light trucks are sold in Australia each year, and those make up about 40 per cent of all freight deliveries.

Given that many government departments are averse to carbon-fuelled vehicles and even global giant Ikea is moving to eTruck deliveries in 30 of its markets, the scope for eTrucks – regardless of the tech they use – to blossom is huge.

Continue reading the full article at Cars Guide by David Morely published on April 13, 2022.

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