SEA Electric proud to partner on Australian-first all-electric aviation refueller
The first all-electric aviation refueller in Australia was put into operation this week – a SEA Electric SEA 500 EV which has been designed and engineered in Australia.
Built in conjunction with global aviation fuel products and service supplier Air bp and leading aviation specialists Refuel International in Melbourne, the vehicle will be based at Brisbane Airport, uplifting Jet-A1 for business and general aircraft at the busy international airport.
The refueller can carry approximately 16,000 litres of aviation fuel, with all onboard pumps and functions fully electrified, with the management of the systems provided by the proprietary SEA-Drive® power-system.
This system has previously been adapted to electrify a wide range of ancillary functions, such as the hydraulic systems found on refuse vehicles, elevated work platforms, tippers and tilt trays, or the cooling units found in refrigerated delivery trucks.
This latest adaptation sees the bulk of the energy for the truck devoted to the fuel delivery task, rather than propulsion for the vehicle.
“SEA Electric is proud to be partnering with Air bp on this world-leading project, which sets the standard for environmental credentials and performance, all while showcasing the possibilities of EV technology,” said Tony Fairweather, SEA Electric’s CEO and Founder.
“Working airside on the tarmac has its own special suite of conditions when contrasted to a delivery truck on the open road, with the energy demands of the vehicle vastly different to the norm, however, leading criteria such as safety and reliability remain imperative.”
“Of course, there are environmental benefits of converting to EV, with CO2 and other exhaust particulates eliminated, which makes for a healthier work environment at airports.
“Furthermore, this is the first step towards an airport becoming a Virtual Power Plant (VPP). Imagine the near future whereby every Brisbane airport vehicle is battery electric and networked to both renewable sources of energy for charging (such as roof-mounted solar) and also to the grid itself to deploy excess energy when the grid requires it. This is just around the corner.
“Transport makes up a significant portion of total emissions, with the adoption of pioneering EV technology, such as this aircraft refuelling truck, showing a great level of social responsibility,” Mr Fairweather said.
The project is proof that Australian ingenuity and manufacturing is alive and well.
“Air bp has been collaborating with SEA and Refuel International for two years on the custom-designed and specialised electric refueller to meet exacting performance and safety requirements. We are delighted to launch the refueller at Brisbane Airport where we are responsible for fuelling 30 airlines and approximately 100 flights daily,” said Daniel Tyzack, Managing Director, Air bp Asia Pacific.
“Our work reflects bp’s ambition to become a net zero company by 2050 or sooner and to help the world get to net zero by working with our customers to help decarbonise.”
For Refuel International, the vehicle is the latest in a long line of projects working with Air bp.
“Refuel International are very proud to have developed Australia’s first electric aviation refueller in partnership with Air bp and SEA Electric,” said Geoff Pinner, General Manager for Refuel International.
- Published in Articles, E-Range, Media Release, News, SEA-Drive, Technology
NZ’s first electric traffic control truck hits the road
Electric vehicle technology company SEA Electric has helped civil construction firm Dempsey Wood put New Zealand’s first electric traffic safety vehicle on the road complete with a truck-mounted attenuator.
Article by EVTALK, August 8, 2022
Joining Dempsey Wood’s temporary traffic management division, the SEA Isuzu FSD EV, entitled ‘BIG EV’, is specified with a SEA-Drive 120-25 power-system.
It was assembled by Blackwells Isuzu in Christchurch with assistance provided by SEA Electric’s New Zealand aftersales team.
The ancillaries on the truck, including the attenuator, are entirely powered by the onboard batteries.
Dempsey Wood received $222,000 in funding from New Zealand’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) towards the project. A rapid charging station has also been installed at the Mt Wellington depot to support it, and to provide public charging when not being utilised.
SEA Electric says the build is another example of the adaptability of its technology across a broad array of applications.
“It was no small task for Dempsey Wood to take on industry leadership with the build on this large attenuated truck,” SEA Electric NZ general manager Stephen Fairweather says.
“It required foresight to consider the total cost of ownership benefits of converting to EV, as well as understanding the many advantages that this truck brings to their business.
“This build shows what is possible in the construction space, both here in New Zealand, and across the world,” Fairweather says.
Dempsey Wood temporary traffic manager Angela Potae says the project is a “unique opportunity” to embrace EV technology in the traffic management industry.
“As a progressive and innovative company, we take on that challenge, supported by our industry partners to create change within the industry.”
Like other advanced companies, the environmental impact of Dempsey Wood’s business operations has come under the microscope.
“Sustainability is an important aspect of our business model, which we are committed to enhancing through all business channels,” Dempsey Wood sustainability manager Mike Dunphy says.
“Leveraging the support and funding from EECA, Dempsey Wood are motivated to demonstrate the applicability of heavy EV vehicle technology and capability to the construction and infrastructure sector”.
Elsewhere in New Zealand, SEA Electric will be showcasing at the New Zealand Electro Mobility Summit from August 11-12, with a SEA 300-85 EV on display, with Stephen Fairweather to feature on the event’s summit panel.
- Published in Articles, E-Range, Media Release, News, SEA-Drive, Technology
EnergyAustralia & SEA Electric Form Strategic Partnership for EV Transition
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.
- Published in Articles, E-Range, Media Release, News, SEA-Drive, Technology