Mount Gambier based harvest and haulage company Fennell Forestry has shifted gears, commissioning the world’s second ever electric log truck in a future focused development for the region.
The business is taking the crucial first step towards decarbonising Australia’s heavy vehicle transport industry in the hope of providing a realistic carbon-zero solution for the industry.
Transport is Australia’s second highest contributor to carbon emissions with a single diesel-powered log truck producing in excess of 500 tonnes of carbon every year.
Fennell Forestry Managing Director Wendy Fennell said the truck – the first of its kind in Australia – was the cornerstone of a research and findings trial in the lead-up to Federal Government’s 2030 emissions reduction targets.
“Converting to an electric engine and battery system will slash the number of carbon emissions to zero and when recharging using renewable energy, the environmental dividends will be even greater,” she said.
“We’re taking the pivotal first steps in trialling this carbon reducing technology on behalf of the Australian heavy vehicle transport industry.
“Decarbonising our industry will not happen overnight, we need to start trialling this technology now, so we have time to consider the best options for each application.
“From here, we can properly assess what is a realistic solution and provide some answers to help the industry meet emission targets.”
Ms Fennell said work was currently under way to convert the once diesel-powered prime mover to a fully electric battery operating system, using Australian technology, innovation and workmanship which is expected to be operational next month.
“The truck is currently with Janus Electric, an Australian company that understands our heavy vehicle transport requirements and gross combination mass (GCM) that is higher than our American and European counterparts,” she said.
“The battery charging technology and operating system installed on the existing truck allows the reuse of a Kenworth prime mover chassis, axles and suspensions required for Fennell Forestry transport operations.”
