Centurion Announce Australian-First Off-Grid EV Fleet

Logistics company Centurion has unveiled a project to operate 30 Mercedes-Benz eActros trucks as part of an Australian-first battery electric vehicle fleet powered entirely by off-grid renewable energy.

The Federal Government’s Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) Future Fuels Program will contribute $15.8 million toward the $29 million program that will enable the trucks to join Centurion’s Perth metro fleet.

By the end of 2024, the eActros trucks will be fully powered by four megawatts of rooftop solar generation and off-grid battery energy storage, using 15 dual-port chargers at Centurion’s Hazelmere depot.

Daimler Truck Australia Pacific President and CEO, Daniel Whitehead, says the Centurion project follows a pattern of innovation at the company and applauds its CEO, Justin Cardaci, for his leadership.

“Sustainability leadership is often talked about but rarely proven in this industry. Justin and the team at Centurion are true believers in making our world more sustainable; they are not just in it for a green headline,” says Whitehead, pictured above with Cardaci.

Operating a zero-emissions truck fleet from off-grid solar and battery is a big step in Centurion’s energy transition

“This remarkable off-grid eActros project is truly inspiring, but Centurion has long been focused on reducing emissions and has been running the most fuel-efficient trucks that meet or exceed Euro 6 emission standards from Freightliner and Mercedes-Benz for many years, well before the standards are regulated.

“I applaud Centurion’s determination to make a difference and its commitment to lead the Australian transport industry on a path to a more sustainable future.“

Cardaci says the project represents a significant step in Centurion’s decarbonisation journey as it continues its work towards an operational future with net-zero emissions.

“Centurion actively seeks to deploy technology where it’s ready to displace the diesel transport equivalent and the ARENA funding certainly helps support the project’s economics,” he says.

“For most of our operations, the zero-emissions heavy transport technology won’t be ready for several years. However, battery-electric trucks are now ready for operations across the wider metropolitan area and it’s great that Centurion has the capacity to bring this technology into our fleet.

The eActros can carry heavy loads and has a range of over 300km, making it the perfect choice for Centurion

“Operating a real zero emissions Mercedes-Benz eActros truck fleet from off grid solar and battery is a significant step in supporting the energy transition.“

Daimler Truck Australia Pacific Sales, Marketing and Operations Vice President, Andrew Assimo, adds the eActros, which can carry heavy loads and has a range of more than 300km, is the perfect choice for Centurion.

“Thanks to a massive investment in engineering by Daimler Truck, the eActros brings the most advanced technology to the class with innovative features such as the efficient eAxle,” he says.

“We can’t wait to see the eActros hit the road in Centurion colours as part of this fantastic initiative and look forward to helping Justin and his team continue their sustainability leadership.“

The Mercedes-Benz Trucks eActros will be officially launched in Australia in May, along with the next generation fully-electric Fuso eCanter, which further extend Daimler Truck’s sustainability leadership.