National full-service logistics provider Centurion has announced 20 of the electric Mercedes-Benz eActros trucks as part of its Australian-first off-grid electric fleet are now officially in service.
The $29 million project, which was announced last year, is set to build and operate Australia’s first 100 per cent renewable energy, off-grid battery electric truck fleet after securing funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency’s (ARENA) Future Fuels Program.
A total of 30 electric trucks will be integrated into Centurion’s fleet as part of the program, with ARENA’s $15.8 million investment into the project helping the installation of charging equipment, integrated energy generation and storage infrastructure at Centurion’s Hazelmere depot in Perth.
All 30 trucks will be Mercedes-Benz eActros vehicles, and they will service the wider metropolitan Perth area with four megawatts of rooftop solar, 10 megawatt hours of battery and 15 dual port slow and fast chargers.
It was initially hoped all 30 trucks would be up and running by the end of 2024.
At the time of the ARENA funding announcement in March 2024, Centurion CEO Justin Cardaci said while zero emission trucks are not operable for the company’s regional operations yet, it is important to bring available emerging technology into the company’s fleet.
“This project represents a significant step in Centurion’s decarbonisation journey and continues our work towards and operational future with net zero emissions,” Cardaci says.
“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.
“For most of our operations, 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 Centurion has the capacity to bring this technology into our fleet.
“Operating a real zero emissions truck fleet from off grid solar and battery is a significant step in supporting the energy transition.”
Cardaci added it is important for large transport companies to lead the way to overall transport decarbonisation.
“With more than 2400 employees across Australia, customers from a wide range of sectors, and the multiple communities that rely on our service, it’s important we demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainable operations and drive decarbonisation projects like this one.”
The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 was named the International Truck of the Year 2025 at the annual International Truck of the Year awards late last year.
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