SEA Automotive has delivered the first of nine electric trucks set to hit Victoria's roads in the coming months, as part of the Andrews Labor Government's New Energy Jobs fund.
After receiving $517,000 from the Labor Government in October last year to develop a facility to manufacture commercial electric vehicles, SEA delivered the first of its zero-emissions trucks to Kings Transport, an Australian logistics company.
The SEA trucks are powered by a modular electric drive power pack which can be used in new medium-duty vehicles, or repower existing diesel trucks.
On the company's website, there are three versions of its SEA-Drive systems available - including 70kWh, 120kWh and 140kWh battery packs and Permanent Magnet motors in various outputs.
The SEA-Drive technology can be applied to three types of vehicles; 5-7m vans and minibuses, 9-13t GVM truck cab/chassis, along with 14-17t GVM truck cab/chassis.
According to the company's website, the 'EV10' (above) - the type of truck delivered to Kings Transport - has a range of up to 180 kilometres from its 120kWh battery pack, can accelerate from 0-50km/h in 6.0 seconds, and has a limited top speed of 100km/h.
"We’re helping businesses right across the state develop a diverse range of new energy technology projects to help support this vital sector," said Lily D'Ambrosio, minister for energy, environment and climate change.
"Today we’re seeing the results of a fantastic initiative, made possible thanks to our New Energy Jobs Fund."
"The long-term aim of this project is to develop an innovative range of electric-powered commercial vehicles for a wide range of purposes," she added.
An additional benefit of the electric truck project other than a reduction in emissions, is that it provides an opportunity for skilled automotive assembly workers to continue working in the industry now that vehicle manufacturing is coming to a close.
SEA Automotive is expected to employ up to 80 skilled workers within four years.
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