Adelaide waste and resource manager East Waste will in December commission South Australia’s first fully electric-powered waste collection truck.

The move fulfills the promise of a policy initiative that began 18 months ago that also looked at CNG.

East Waste chairman Brian Cunningham says the new truck will replace a diesel-powered truck and, with zero emissions, “remove from our suburban streets the polluting equivalent of 20 vehicles generating 63 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year”.

The truck is the first in a fleet replacement program and is supplied by Superior Pak, using SEA Electric drivetrain technology and an Iveco chassis.

It is valued around $550,000, which is about $150,000 more than a diesel version.

East Waste believes the extra investment will return financial savings along with a raft of environmental benefits.

Read how East Waste came to drive down the EV path, here

“This is much more than a terrific environmental initiative by East Waste,” Cunningham says.

“It will create financial gain to better manage the cost of kerbside collections of recyclable resources and waste.

“We conservatively project that our new electric truck will save in excess of $220,000 over the seven-year life of a diesel truck.

“Even with the additional $150,000 purchase price, that is a $70,000 nett saving.”

East Waste argues that cost savings will be even greater:

• if, as expected, diesel prices continue to climb
• with significantly fewer moving parts than a conventional engine, the new truck is likely to last longer than the seven years of conventional trucks.
• maintenance will be reduced by at least two-thirds.
• the truck’s drivetrain generates electricity each time it reduces speed, returning charge to the batteries and reducing wear and tear; especially to brake pads.

“Residents in suburban streets will fall in love with our new truck without realising it,” Cunningham says.

“With reduced air pollution comes the removal of noise pollution as the truck travels from house to house on bin collection day. It is silent.”

East Waste will install a 30kW solar system at its Ottaway depot to provide renewable energy to charge the truck’s batteries every day.

“We are confident that electric technology can transform the East Waste fleet,” East Waste CEO Rob Gregory tells ATN.

“Advances in battery technology may, in coming years, enable us to replace our entire fleet of 40 trucks.

“East Waste replaces its trucks at a rate of about five a year.

“We cannot, at this stage, say how many of our fleet might ultimately be electric.

“With respect to CNG, East Waste continuously considers and reviews for its fleet and activities the application of new technologies and innovation. CNG is in that mix.”

East Waste is a subsidiary of seven metropolitan Adelaide councils; the cities of Burnside, Campbelltown, Mitcham, Norwood, Payneham & St Peters and Prospect, the Town of Walkerville and the Adelaide Hills Council. READ MORE

By: Rob McKay, Australasian Transport News – fullyloaded.com.au, 21.08.2019

To regular readers of this column, it will be no surprise that Tesla’s Model 3 is cheaper on a total cost of ownership basis than competing luxury sedans from BMW and Mercedes, but a Toyota Camry? Model 3 is a state-of-the-art electric vehicle with a 5-star safety rating and a driving experience that’s gotten rave reviews from every auto mag under the sun. Is it possible that it’s even in the same price class as the entry-level, reliable-but-dull Camry?

That’s the surprising conclusion of Loup Ventures, a tech-oriented venture capital firm, which performed a five-year comparative cost of ownership study. Loup first compared the two vehicles in 2017, and concluded that Model 3, which had a purchase price about 40% higher than that of the Toyota Camry LE, would end up costing 13% more to own and operate over five years. Considering that Model 3 includes Autopilot capability, over-the-air updates and a host of other features that you won’t find on the Camry (or any other Toyota), the Tesla still sounded like a pretty good deal.

Now Loup has updated its comparison. Using 2019 figures, the new study reached the astonishing conclusion that, when all relevant factors are taken into account, Model 3, which is indisputably a superior car, is slightly cheaper to own and operate over a five-year period than Toyota’s mass-market sedan.

When it comes to the purchase price (which, unfortunately, is the only number many car buyers will look at), the Camry still wins hands down. In fact, the price gap has widened to 59% since 2017 – the cheapest Model 3 you can order online is $38,990 (a $35k version is theoretically available by special order), whereas the Camry LE starts at $24,600.

However, when you consider the other costs of ownership, some big differences become apparent. Surprisingly, Loup found typical insurance costs for a Model 3 to be slightly lower than for a Camry – and the gap is expected to widen over the next few years as Tesla’s in-house insurance products become available (the program has already launched in Australia and China, and is expected to come to North America this year).

Costs for fuel and maintenance are far lower for any EV, compared to a legacy vehicle – Loup projects that Model 3 owners will save almost six grand on fuel and $2,800 on maintenance over five years, compared to Camry drivers.

However, it’s the comparative resale values of the two cars that closes the deal for the Tesla. As even a brief perusal of the pre-owned vehicles on sale will show, Teslas retain their value extremely well. Loup estimates that, after five years, the Model 3 will still be worth almost $19,000, whereas the Camry will fetch only $9,000. When the resale values of the two vehicles are included in the calculation, the cost per mile for a Model 3 comes out to $0.46, compared to $0.49 for the Camry LE.

That’s a pretty jaw-dropping conclusion, considering that we’re basically comparing a luxury, high-tech apple to a basic, low-budget orange. How does Model 3’s TCO compare to other sedans that are supposedly in its class? Loup also ran the figures for an Audi A5, and the result is…embarrassing? Game-changing? Adjectives fail us. The cost per mile of the German sedan over five years comes out to $0.80, a little less than double that of Model 3. READ MORE

Article by Charles Morris, EVANNEX, August 13 2019

Written by: Charles Morris; Source: Loup Ventures; Video: Like Tesla

Experienced clean transport industry executive David Brosky recently joined the SEA Electric team as Regional Director for North America.

Mr. Brosky brings over 30 years’ experience in business development, sales, marketing, and program management for leading global automotive and commercial vehicle equipment and systems suppliers, including TI Automotive, Dana Corporation and Bosch Rexroth Corporation. In the last 15 years, David has held senior-level positions in the Clean Transportation sector focusing on hybrid and electric powertrain solutions for commercial vehicles. Most recently as Vice President – Sales with Lightning Systems, a hybrid, and electric powertrain systems supplier.

With SEA Electric recently penetrating the North American market, Mr. Brosky’s industry experience coupled with his passion for business and clean energy will be a great asset to SEA Electric.

SEA Electric is excited to welcome Mr. Brosky and look forward to this new generation of change.

David Brosky, Bachelor of Science- Business Administration, Lawrence Technological University, Southfield, Michigan USA

About SEA Electric

SEA Electric is an Australian automotive technology company that locally develops and assembles 100% electric-powered vans, commuter busses, and light/medium duty rigid truck models using its proprietary SEA-Drive® power-systems.  Additionally, the company works closely with a selection of leading American truck companies and brands including Ford, Isuzu, and Chevrolet to engineer and locally assemble SEA Electric power-systems to their models.

SEA Electric head office operates from a facility in Melbourne with plans underway for a large-scale assembly facility in the Latrobe Valley in regional Victoria.

Article by Lindsay Gilbert & Jacque May, SEA Electric, 15th July 2019

For further information, please contact:

Tony Fairweather, President – SEA Electric LLC

T: +1 310 284 3180

M: +1 (830) 281 0464

E: tony@sea-electric.com

The Clean Energy Finance Corp (CEFC) held the NSW Electric Vehicle Drive Day on July 4, to encourage Australians to switch to electrical vehicles (EVs).

CEFC CEO, Ian Learmonth, said that fleet buyers could play an important role in helping Australia tackle one of its toughest emissions challenges – transport.

“Australia has some 19,000 businesses operating fleets with 20 vehicles or more, representing more than 2.1 million vehicles in total.

“Australians have traditionally been early adopters of new technology, but we have fallen behind the pack when it comes to EVs.

“Fleets buyers purchase as many as one in five new vehicles in Australia. We want to see EVs become their fleet vehicle of choice. It’s about using their market power to influence the way we use our roads and the impact we have on our environment.”

Australia is the world’s 16th largest car market but ranks 21st in terms of new EVs sold, according to the 2019 EV Outlook from Bloomberg New Energy Finance. While there are about 9100 EVs in Australia, this is 25 per cent lower than the much smaller New Zealand market.

“The reality is that we need to cut emissions right across our economy, from electricity to transport and more. Australians are already acting on electricity, with more and more of us putting solar PV on our rooftops,” Mr Learmonth said.

“We can also have a big impact on emissions if we put electric vehicles in our garages, supported by charging infrastructure.

“In a smaller market like Australia, we know it will take time for more EV models to become available, and for prices to come down so EVs are more affordable for personal buyers. For fleet buyers, where driving needs are different, there is an opportunity for the EV transition to occur more quickly.”

Cars and light duty vehicles were responsible for 75 per cent of Australia’s total transport emissions of 102 million tonnes in 2018, according to the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory. The data also shows that transport was the equal fastest growing sector for emissions (along with fugitive emissions) from 2000 to 2018, with continued growth expected to 2030.

Modelling produced for the CEFC and ARENA found that with the right combination of incentives, models and infrastructure, EV sales in Australia could surge from as early as 2021. The Energeia report forecast that EVs could represent 90 per cent of all cars and light commercial vehicles by 2050, supported by $1.7 billion in investment in new public-access fast charging points.

The NSW EV Drive Day gave fleet buyers the chance to test the driving experience and performance of a range of vehicles and discuss vehicle operating considerations with manufacturers and industry experts.

It showcased the latest range of battery EVs, plug in hybrids and hydrogen fuel cell EVs, across 16 models and 21 vehicles. More than 100 registered fleet managers and buyers met with representatives from BMW, Hyundai, Jaguar, KIA, Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Renault, SEA Electric, Tesla and Toyota.

“Increasing the share of EVs on the road translates directly into lower emissions from fuel combustion. While EV charging will add to demand for electricity, emissions from vehicle charging will fall as we increase our share of renewables,” Mr Learmonth said.

“By working with industry groups and other financiers, it’s clear that vehicle buyers want to see lower vehicle costs and more models to encourage them to switch to EVs.

“We hope that increased buyer interest in EVs from volume buyers such as fleet owners can encourage EV manufacturers to grow their share of the Australian market.”

The CEFC has financed more than 1000 EVs via its co-finance programs with major banks and non-bank lenders. Together with its finance for lower emissions on-farm vehicles and equipment, the CEFC has invested more than $500 million in low emissions transport. The CEFC is also considering investments in EV charging infrastructure.

The NSW EV Drive Day was organised by the CEFC, with support from Transport for NSW, the NRMA, the Australasian Fleet Management Association, Charge Together and JetCharge/Charge Fox. READ MORE

Article by India Murphy, Energy Magazine, July 5 2019

The roar of motorsport at Sydney’s Eastern Creek speedway will be replaced by whisper quiet electric vehicles (EVs) today when fleet buyers test drive one of the largest selections of EVs assembled in Australia.

Training agreement for electric vehicles

Electric Trucks, the Reo and Foton, plus Tatra

There was plenty to see at the Brisbane Truck Show this year including electric trucks, the Reo and Foton, plus Tatra. 

After making a number of successful deals in the US, SEA Electric was back on home turf at the BTS showing off its 100 per cent electric vehicles including a garbage compactor, as well as an Isuzu display model, demonstrating the driveline components in the engine bay and between the chassis rails. More of SEA Electric’s work could be found at the Isuzu stand further down the hall, as part of the company’s collaboration with Isuzu in Australia. 

SEA Electric may have been one of the first entities to show electric trucks here in Australia, but this time around was joined by several others drivetrains using electricity as a power source, dotted around a number of exhibits. This included Dana, who have entered a licensing agreement with SEA, but also Fuso, Cummins, Meritor.

The number of displays including the electric power theme reflects the high level of interest in electric power in the trucking community and should enable technology developers to invest further in the new driveline options.

The Foton trucks introduced to the market earlier this year made their first appearance at BTS since the company relaunched as a factory-owned importer of Chinese trucks. 

Tatra has been long known as an importer of heavy duty all wheel drive trucks with an innovative chassis design developed to enable the heavy duty trucks to access any ground conditions. The brand has recently moved to using cabins sourced from the Paccar organisation, DAF cabins. The next stage in the company’s development will be to introduce some lighter models aimed at more general applications where all wheel drive is necessary in different industries around Australia.

After being unveiled at last year’s Megatrans exhibition in Melbourne, the Diamond Reo truck range appeared in its reincarnated form at the BTS for the first time. Ivan Vodanovich was assembling Diamond Reo trucks in Melbourne in the 80s and has now been involved in reviving the brand based on the China-sourced SAIC truck range.

Four examples were on display at this year’s BTS an 8×4 rigid and a 6×4 prime mover using the same shape as the models displayed in 2018. The novelties were a new a prime mover, which bears an uncanny resemblance to the MAN cabins of the past, and there was also a smaller 4×2 model, set up as a local delivery truck on display.

READ MORE

Article featured by Diesel Magazine, 27th June 2019, http://www.dieselnews.com.au/electric-trucks-the-reo-and-foton-plus-tatra/

Wellington’s first fully electric rubbish truck will join two electric vans in servicing about 40 Wellington City Council social housing sites.

The Manco SEA EV10 Electricat was revealed at a ceremony at the council’s Berkley Dallard apartments on June 12.

Bought with the aid of a government low emission vehicles contestable fund administered by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), the e-truck goes to contractor Professional Property & Cleaning Services (PPCS).

The same company introduced two electric vans last year and has ordered six more EVs.

PPCS committed to introducing EVs where possible in taking up a contract for cleaning and rubbish removal at WCC’s Parks, Sports and Recreation and City Housing sites.

“We see this new truck as a major step towards our target of converting 70% of our fleet to electric or hybrid by 2025,” PPCS general manager Sarel Bloem says.

“We’re a family owned New Zealand company and we’re passionate about protecting the environment. That’s why we bought this truck and why we’ve just ordered an additional six electric vehicles. This means in the next few months 100% of the vehicles we use to service Wellington will be electric.”

Wellington mayor Justin Lester says the city has been installing EV chargers for residents’ use but needs to lead by example.

“That’s why we’re converting our own fleet to electric and I’m delighted that PPCS are joining us in this. This is about making our city cleaner for us and future generations.”

Climate change portfolio holder councillor David Lee says Wellington is continuing the journey to becoming a zero-carbon capital by 2050.

“We will only get there with help from companies like PPCS getting on board. I’d encourage other companies with large fleets to do the same.”

Climate Change minister James Shaw says it is important for New Zealand’s service fleet to convert to EVs.

“Unlike private vehicles, rubbish trucks, taxis and delivery vehicles are on the road most of the working day,” he says.

“The more of them that are electric the quicker we will be able to reach our emission reducing goals.”

The Manco SEA EV10 Electricat is based on a SEA Electric (NZ) SEA Drive system with the rest built by Auckland-based Manco Environmental.

Similar electric trucks are run by Civic Contractors in Auckland which has 200 vehicles it aims to switch to electric by 2025, and the Palmerston North City Council.

The trucks have a 120kW battery pack and 180km range and are recharged at their depots.

READ MORE

Article by Geoff Dobson, Transport Talk NZ, June 12 2019

The chief executive of waste management group Cleanaway says a pioneering trial of electric rubbish trucks in a council area in Melbourne is showing promising signs in its early stages.

The electric trucks have a range of 180 kilometres before they need to be recharged and the first has been operating for the past few weeks in the City of Hobsons Bay, which covers 12 suburbs in western Melbourne.

Cleanaway chief executive Vik Bansal said there were good signs on the operating costs for the vehicles for kerbside collections, because they needed to be kept low for the new technology to be viable in the long term.

“At this stage, the trials are progressing well but it is a bit too early to fully gauge their success,” Mr Bansal said on Tuesday.

“So far the electric trucks are showing positive signs in terms of their cost to operate and overall reliability.”

Jonathan Marsden, mayor of the City of Hobsons Bay council area that encompasses 88,000 people and suburbs such as Williamstown, Altona and Newport, said it was only a small part of the overall fleet of rubbish collection vehicles, but the council wanted to be a leader in this sector.

“It’s early days obviously, and I think as battery technology improves they will be able to carry even greater payloads,” Mr Marsden said.

Local residents were curious about whether the electric vehicles would be coming to collect their own household rubbish.

“It’s a small part of a very big fleet,” he said.

Range and noise

The vehicles were assembled in Bundaberg in Queensland under a collaboration with SEA Electric and Superior Park.

The vehicles have a range of between 180 kilometres to 200 kilometres before they require recharging, and the drive system is able to generate electricity when braking.

They are also much quieter than regular waste collection vehicles, which has local governments across Australia eyeing the potential to cut road noise for early morning collections and keep the vehicles off the road in peak-hour traffic in congested areas.

Mr Bansal said there was a lot of opportunity to advance this type of technology. The company was also closely monitoring the costs and service levels to make sure it was a viable option over the long term.

Delivering a consistent and reliable service was fundamental to Cleanaway, and the trial needed to prove there wasn’t a significant increase in waste collection costs for ratepayers.

Cleanaway operates about 5000 waste collection vehicles around Australia.

Other local council areas in Geelong and Moonee Valley are also scheduled to be part of trials with the electric rubbish trucks so that Cleanaway can test them in different settings with hills and unique local characteristics. READ MORE

Article by Simon Evans, Senior Reporter – Financial Review, June 11 2019

Leading electrical systems for trucks and other commercial vehicles.

Concern for nature and the environment is becoming increasingly important in purchasing decisions. Similarly, they are also considering SEA Electric, an Australian company that has expanded almost everywhere in the world over two years with its electric batteries for trucks and vans.

Australia’s leading software and technology company, SEA Electric, is finally entering the European market with its carefully developed and advanced electrical system. After successful breakthroughs on the domestic and New Zealand market, several months ago, they successfully launched their business in America, and now they open their premises in Vienna.

An investment for a cleaner and cheaper future

At a time when industry is increasingly aware of environmental pollution and wants to contribute to cleaner air, it offers unique technology for commercial and delivery vehicles. Seven different SEA-DRIVE^® power-system innovative systems have been developed to replace diesel engines from smaller and larger commercial vehicles, from vans to trucks (55,000lb). The system with electric batteries operates on the basis of patented computer technology. Their engines are used by important international companies around the world.

Cooperation signed with Ikea and DHL

In Australia, SEA Electric has already entered into strong European companies such as DHL and Ikea, and the first European licensing cooperation has already been signed with the largest German manufacturer of garbage trucks. For vans and municipal transport services, such as mail and garbage collection, they have developed advanced propulsion technology with the highest energy efficiency and easy and convenient charging. A number of junction points in cities also help to save energy, as stopping and firing the battery is full (regenerative braking). Electrically propelled electric cars and vans represent a green solution for cities that are confronted with traffic congestion or are seeking to improve people’s lives.

Easy filling on the road or in the base

The SEA-DRIVE^® electric battery system is fully charged within 4-6 hours and is therefore perfect for commercial and delivery vehicles from major European cities, which are still small enough for delivery at a distance of up to 350 km. And they are overly concerned about where to fill up the vehicle quickly while driving. Unlike other electric vehicles, all SEA- ^Drive® systems have the option of charging with a portable 22kW charger in any 3-phase socket. They are therefore an ideal solution for delivery in urban areas where the vehicle returns to the base and the battery can be fully charged overnight.

For a green environment without harmful releases

Tony Fairweather, executive director of SEA Electric believes that the system of effective urban e-mobility will also adopt European cities and thus contribute to solving environmental congestion. “SEA Electric is the ideal solution for cities that are consciously and consciously prepared for environmental zones. It will be prohibited to use harmful emissions vehicles, which is why it is right for ministries and municipalities to become aware as soon as possible of the importance of using electric batteries, engines. Research suggests that vehicles fossil fuels will disappear from cities by 2050, and the use of electric trucks should increase by 2025. ”

Easy to install and upgrade the system

The growing demand for nature-friendly transport, government support for the purchase of electric cars and improved filling infrastructure open up new opportunities for environmental and high-tech technological advances. SEA Electric Energy Technology, due to efficient and easy installation procedures, enables the upgrading and development of the hardware of each embedded subsystem. There is no doubt that SEA Electric has a technology and a business model that meets the requirements of the transition to the electrical system since they have a complete package for almost every commercial vehicle.

https://avto.over.net/clanek/sea-electric-uspesno-prodira-na-evropski-trg/

“SEA Electric is successfully penetrating the European market” by Anja Kovacic, Market Development Manager – EU at SEA Electric, 28th May 2019