Plans for Australia’s biggest electric truck depot are moving ahead, with a major freight hub in Wilton securing federal support as part of a push to strengthen supply chains and reduce reliance on diesel.
The project, led by New Energy Transport, has been selected as one of the first initiatives under the federal government’s Investor Front Door program. Announced by Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Resources Minister Madeleine King, the program is designed to fast-track large-scale infrastructure projects by helping developers navigate approvals and access investment.
Freight hub to anchor EV truck network
Located south-west of Sydney, the Wilton depot is expected to support up to 50 heavy electric trucks in its initial phase and form the backbone of electrified freight corridors linking Sydney, Wollongong, Newcastle, and Canberra.
New Energy Transport aims to begin operations on these routes by the end of the year, with longer-term plans to expand services to Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide by 2031.
The facility will include around 12 megawatt-scale charging bays, solar canopies and a 20MWh battery system to manage peak electricity demand. Future expansion could lift capacity to as many as 200 trucks.
Industry pushes for shift away from diesel
The depot is positioned as the first step in a broader network of electric freight hubs designed to reduce Australia’s dependence on imported fuels and improve energy resilience.
New Energy Transport co-chief executive Daniel Bleakley said the project reflects a structural shift in freight economics.
“Electric trucks offer a pathway to decouple Australia’s freight system from volatile global energy markets, dramatically improving supply chain resilience and national energy security. We’re proud to be leading the charge to all-electric road freight in Australia.”
The company has already completed long-distance electric freight trials, including a 480km round trip between Sydney and the Hunter region and a full end-to-end delivery from Sydney to Canberra.
Co-chief executive Fredrik Pehrsson said the results demonstrate the commercial viability of electric freight.
“Our commercial deliveries have proven that electric road freight is not only technologically possible in Australia – it’s commercially viable and delivers real economic and productivity gains for our customers.
“The Windrose all-electric prime mover used in the Sydney to Canberra run achieved an 84 per cent reduction in energy costs compared to diesel, and also completed the journey 25 minutes faster than a diesel truck on the same route.
“These results show the immediate economic and productivity benefits available to major transport buyers that transition to all-electric road freight in Australia.”
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