First Published by Australasian Transport News (ATN)

Learning lessons in transport electrification

The recent commitment to electrify Sydney’s public ferries is irrelevant to the electrification
of Australian road transport. Or is it? 

Daniel Woods

When discussing decarbonisation of the transport sector it can be easy to maintain a narrow view looking at solely road transport. After all, road transport is the biggest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions of any part of the entire sector.

If you widen that view, you may see efforts to improve sustainability in the rail and air sectors through the likes of electric rail or aviation biofuels. But, if you broaden it further still, you will see almost all efforts to decarbonise the entire transport sector are inexplicably linked.

A commitment was recently made by the NSW government to fully electrify its ferry fleet by 2035. On the surface, that may look like it has little to do with the road transport – and more specifically the heavy vehicle – industry, but the impact of the electrification of Sydney’s ferry fleet will be felt across the transport sector. But how?

Simply, the current position of electrified ferry transport is where the road transport sector wants to be.

Often, electrified engines used in these types of heavy-duty ferry operations surpass the capability of their traditional internal combustion engine counterparts. This improvement of decarbonised transport engines is where other industries are aspiring to get to, and it’s easy to miss that some parts of the wider industry are already there.

Intium is an Australian leader in the research and development of road transport battery electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and its Executive General Manager Nathan Rhodes says the electrification of Sydney’s ferry fleet will have a rolling impact across the wide Australian transport sector.

“The commitment to electrify Sydney’s ferry fleet by 2035 is a significant step towards broader vehicle electrification in Australia,” Rhodes tells ATN. This initiative showcases the feasibility and benefits of electrifying public transport fleets, potentially influencing public perception and acceptance of electric vehicles (EVs).

“As Sydney leads by example, other cities and sectors will likely follow, accelerating the transition to electric fleets on a commercial scale. The visibility of electric ferries can demonstrate the reliability and efficiency of EV technology, encouraging investment and adoption across various industries.

“The positive impact of commercial fleet electrification extends beyond New South Wales. Queensland, for example, is preparing to host the 2032 Olympics, and electrifying ferry fleets there could significantly enhance the state’s sustainability credentials on a global scale.

“This move not only supports environmental goals but also positions Australia as a leader in green transportation solutions. The success of such initiatives can serve as a model for other regions, fostering a nationwide shift towards cleaner, more efficient transport systems.”

Just because there is evidence that widespread electrification of in-use transport fleets can be seen in other sectors, like Sydney’s ferries, unfortunately does not mean the heavy vehicle sector is ready to immediately jump in step and commit to the same. In fact, there are still several unique roadblocks that need to be addressed and overcome to make widespread adoption not just tangible, but possible.

“The market is still young and evolving,” Rhodes continues. “The commercial electric vehicle industry, particularly heavy vehicles like buses, trucks and ferries, faces several challenges.

“Rapid advancements in battery technology can create hesitation among governments and executives, fearing investments may soon become obsolete, while establishing a comprehensive charging infrastructure for heavy vehicles requires significant investment and planning, including high-capacity charging stations and grid upgrades.

“Upfront costs of heavy EVs and the necessary infrastructure are substantial which poses a barrier despite lower operating costs and the total cost of ownership, and the transition to heavy EVs requires supporting regulatory frameworks and policies including incentives, subsidies and clear guidelines.

“The commercial EV market is still evolving, with concerns about the availability, reliability, and performance of heavy EVs in various conditions, and developing batteries that meet the demands of heavy vehicles in terms of range, durability, and charging speed is complex.

“Ensuring these batteries perform well in diverse climates and under heavy loads is crucial.”

Rhodes’ final point returns to the crux of the issue of wider EV uptake in Australia. Just how reliable can these batteries be in the harsh Australian weather? Can they thrive in metropolitan summer temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, or the below freezing temperatures found in various locations across the country in the depths of winter?

Then, can they not only survive, but last long enough to safely ferry drivers and goods through Australia’s red heartland?

Europe has seen far more rapid uptake of electric vehicles than Australia, which has been largely aided by its ability to construct charging infrastructure across its more congested metropolitan regions.

Australia, on the other hand, can see heavy vehicle drivers travel hundreds of kilometres without seeing another soul or petrol station. And even then, that remote outpost would need to be equipped with EV charging infrastructure to ensure electric trucks can keep moving.

Many of the electric trucks that have been recently released have boasted ranges of up to 600 kilometres. In Europe, that distance could get you from the Dutch capital of Amsterdam, across the entirety of Belgium and well into Paris, France – all with well over 100km to spare.

In Australia, on the other hand, 600km wouldn’t even take you halfway across Western Australia. It would just about get you to Kalgoorlie from Perth.

Even on Australia’s more populated east coast that range would get you out of Melbourne, and into the outskirts of Canberra – provided everything on your journey goes to plan.

The lack of availability of charging infrastructure in Australia’s regions has been a key driver as to why EV uptake has been so slow. At most service stations you may find one or two chargers for passenger electric vehicles, but the investment in charging infrastructure for commercial electric vehicles must improve.

Rhodes asserts the development and investment in charging technology must go hand in hand with the production of longer-lasting batteries to ensure Australian heavy EV uptake can start to climb.

“The shift towards electrified fleets in Australia is promising, but the journey is far from complete. It’s crucial not only to expand public charging infrastructure but also to upgrade it and reduce charge times, improve reliability, and increase information and data security which will ultimately provide an improved end-user experience.

“Faster charging stations will alleviate range anxiety and make EVs more convenient for everyday use. This is essential for widespread adoption, as consumers need to feel confident that they can quickly and easily recharge their vehicles with minimal planning.

“Investing in high-speed, strategically placed chargers will create a robust network that meets the needs of all EV users across Australia. This approach not only benefits individual consumers but supports commercial fleets and integrated public transportation systems, driving a comprehensive transition to electric mobility.

“Charging infrastructure and battery technology need to progress simultaneously to make heavy battery electric vehicles (BEVs) viable for fleets. However, prioritising charging infrastructure is more critical in the short term.

“Robust infrastructure reassures fleet operators that their vehicles can be charged efficiently, reducing downtime and helping to increase EV momentum. Advancements in battery technology will naturally follow, driven by the demand for longer range and faster charging.

“Ultimately, the two technologies must grow together to create a sustainable ecosystem for heavy BEVs. Investing in charging infrastructure first can also stimulate market confidence and encourage further research and development in battery technology.

“This symbiotic growth ensures that as battery technology improves, the infrastructure is already in place to support it, creating a seamless transition for fleet operators.

“Government incentives and policies also play a crucial role in accelerating the development of both technologies, ensuring that heavy BEVs become a viable and attractive option for fleet operators.”

What, then, is an appropriate timeline for extensive electrification of Australia’s heavy vehicle fleet? After all, the clock is ticking on the net zero 2050 goals that have been so loudly and publicly proclaimed.

Given where electrification of the road transport industry currently sits, where the introduction of any electric vehicle is still a newsworthy event, it may seem like it will be some time before the wheels truly get turning on this new industry, but Rhodes believes, in the big scheme of things, electrification is not too far away.

“Realistically, it may take another 5-10 years for these technologies to fully catch up with demand,” Rhodes says.

“The desire to integrate heavy electric vehicles into global truck fleets is clear, but the timeline for achieving this depends on the pace of advancements in both charging infrastructure and battery technology.

“This period will allow for further investment and innovation, leading to significant improvements in charging speed, battery capacity, and the expansion of a reliable charging network. During this time, pilot programs and early adopters will play a crucial role in identifying challenges and driving improvements.

“Much of the technology already exists today and we are seeing new heavy vehicle manufacturers across both the bus and truck sector going to market with exciting products. This is helping to create conversations at a board level with companies who are not yet investing in transitioning to electrified fleet production.

“Collaboration between governments, industry stakeholders, and technology providers will be essential to create standardised solutions that can be implemented globally. As these technologies mature, we can expect to see a steady increase in the adoption of heavy EVs.”

This innovation of the electric fleet space is where Rhodes – and Intium – have made their home through the strategic development of key charging infrastructure across the country.

“Intium is committed to leading the charge in the Australian BEV market through supporting the development of charging infrastructure. Our strategy focuses on making the complex simple, addressing Australia’s current lack of charging infrastructure by partnering with national organisations, state and local governments and private enterprises to expand the network of charging stations,” he says.

“We aim to make BEVs a practical and attractive option for all Australians, by improving timeframes and funding options for installation and commissioning charging infrastructure to drive technological innovation. We’re also focused on making EVs a viable option for not just urban Australia, but regionally by deploying fast-charging stations in key locations.

“Additionally, we are working on integrating renewable energy sources and storage into our charging infrastructure projects to promote cost efficiency and sustainability. By addressing both the technological and infrastructural challenges, we are paving the way for a cleaner, greener future in Australia.”