Leading West Australian based national logistics provider, Centurion has revealed it has added a fleet of electric Mercedes-Benz trucks to its fleet with the trucks operating on power from a 100 per cent off-grid solar energy network.
Centurion is serving the Perth greater metropolitan area with the full electric eActros trucks using energy from a 4.4 megawatt rooftop solar installation at its Hazelmere depot, with the electric truck fleet emitting zero exhaust emissions.
According to a statement from Mercedes-Benz Trucks, the first 20 trucks are now operational, with a further ten set to join the fleet in the next few months.
The electric trucks consist of eActros rigid and prime mover models featuring Daimler’s e-axle technology and the company claims they have a range of up to 300km.
Centurion CEO, Justin Cardaci, said that it made sense to work with Daimler Truck for the $30 million-plus project.
“We required the most advanced zero emission electric trucks for this project and were thrilled Mercedes-Benz could provide us with the eActros. We have a long relationship with Daimler Truck and know how committed they are to innovation and technological leadership,” said Cardaci.
Daimler Truck Australia Pacific, president and CEO, Daniel Whitehead, said Centurion is demonstrating how sustainable logistics can work.
“Centurion is demonstrating true leadership in the field of sustainable road transport and we are so excited to be part of this initiative with our eActros,” Whitehead said.
“The Centurion team is showing that battery electric logistics is a reality now and is not just something for the future,” Whitehead added.
Daimler Truck Vice president of sales and marketing, Andrew Assimo, said Daimler Truck is looking forward to seeing the eActros deliver for Centurion’s customers.
“We are pleased Centurion has identified the eActros as the best electric truck for this pioneering project and we know that its class-leading technology will make it a real success,” Assimo said.
Daimler Truck introduced the first electric production truck in Australia back in 2019 and its electric portfolio includes the next-generation Fuso eCanter, Mercedes-Benz eActros and eEconic.
“We have also been out in front with a full range of heavy-duty trucks using our reliable Euro 6 emission technology in Australian fleets from 2016, so we really are able to support our customers as they look for sustainable practical solutions whether they be diesel or electric,” Assimo added.
The Centurion project was made possible thanks to federal government’s Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) Future Fuels Program which contributed $15.8 million.
In addition to the 4.4 megawatt solar installation, the Centurion Hazelmere facility also features more than 10 megawatt hours of battery capacity and 15 dual port slow and fast chargers.
