Amid soaring fuel prices and geopolitical tensions, electric trucks are beginning to challenge diesel's long-standing dominance in Australia. A recent trial saw a Chinese-made Windrose electric prime mover haul 68 tonnes of steel up the steep Mount Ousley escarpment, overtaking most diesel trucks on the climb. Fleet electrification specialist Bo Christensen described the test as 'a very tough run' but noted the electric truck's superior performance.
The Australian government this week announced a $10bn fuel security package, including $3.2bn to store an additional billion litres of diesel and jet fuel, in response to rising diesel prices linked to the conflict in Iran and threats to the Strait of Hormuz. However, critics argue that reducing fuel consumption through electrification is a more sustainable strategy. Windrose founder Wen Han stated, 'Unfortunately what’s happening in Iran is reminding people that hoping for cheaper diesel is not a strategy.'
Windrose has already sold ten trucks in Australia at $450,000 each and expects to sell hundreds this year. Han aims to sell 20,000 trucks in Australia by 2030, claiming, 'We will be the dominant truck.' The company's vehicle boasts a range of nearly 700 kilometres and can recharge from zero to 60% in about 35 minutes, with planned upgrades to improve both metrics.
Other manufacturers, including Volvo, Sany, Daimler, Foton, and Deepway, are also entering the Australian market. Last year, 332 electric trucks and vans were sold in Australia, triple the previous year, with companies like Ikea, Woolworths, and Australia Post adopting electric fleets. Next week, Zenobē will launch a fleet of 30 electric trucks for Winnings appliance deliveries in Melbourne and Sydney.
Despite this progress, Australia lags behind globally. Only 0.7% of new truck sales were electric last year, compared to 20% in China, 7% in Germany, and 2% in the UK. The Energy Futures Foundation's Bruce Hardy warns that without a meaningful pathway to electrification, Australia risks locking in diesel trucks for another 15 years as more than half of the current fleet reaches replacement age within five years.
