Janus Electric, a New South Wales start-up specializing in truck electrification and swappable battery technology, has unveiled its first solar-powered battery swap station at Sydney’s Moorebank Intermodal Precinct.
First Solar-Powered Battery Swap Station at Intermodal Terminal
The Janus “Charge and Change Station” is the company’s first battery swap facility powered entirely by rooftop solar energy. Capable of replacing 2-by-1.2-meter batteries in just four minutes, the station enables Janus-converted electric trucks to travel 300 to 400 kilometres on a single charge.
This launch also marks the first swap station located at an intermodal terminal, allowing for seamless freight transfers between road and rail. Janus Electric already operates eight other Charge and Change Stations across Australia and plans to expand its network even further.
Lex Forsyth, CEO of Janus Electric, stated: “Launching this solar-powered Charge and Change Station is a crucial step towards a cleaner, greener future for Australia’s transport sector. Janus Electric is at the forefront of electric vehicle innovation in Australia, offering cutting-edge solutions to help reduce carbon emissions in the heavy transport industry. Our Charge and Change Stations enable quick battery swaps for electric trucks, providing a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional refuelling methods.”
NSW Policy Boosts Zero-Emission Freight Expansion
The new facility’s launch aligns with the NSW Government’s net-zero emissions freight policy, which outlines government and industry initiatives to lower carbon emissions from heavy vehicles and rail freight.
A key milestone of the policy is the introduction of extra-mass provisions for state road access, a change that allows electric trucks like those from Janus Electric to operate statewide without reducing their cargo capacity.
NSW Freight Sector Poised for Growth with Focus on Sustainability
Recent modelling shows that freight transport and logistics contributed approximately $74.3 billion to the NSW economy in 2022–23, a figure projected to reach $131.5 billion by 2060–61. The sector currently supports over 330,000 full-time jobs, which could rise to 565,000 in the same period. As the industry expands, the NSW Government is committed to working with stakeholders to embrace new technologies and ensure sustainable growth.
Jo Haylen, Minister for Transport, said: “Freight demand is projected to rise by 34 per cent across NSW from 2021 to 2061. We’re going to need more capacity, not less, which is why we’re working on a plan with the freight industry to get us to net zero. Many freight operators are natural innovators and are already investing in low-emission technologies. The NSW Government’s zero emissions freight policy means that the government is supporting industry and helping them invest in new and exciting technologies across the state and at key freight centres like Moorebank.”
