Australian conversion specialists Janus Electric have been celebrating a growing order book for their Class 8 electric truck conversions, which ditch diesel in favor of advanced electric power with battery swapping, but exactly how they would deliver all of those trucks was still an unknown. Now we have an answer: Electrovaya will supply the batteries.
The concept of putting an electric power unit on a Class 8 semi-truck makes a lot of sense, since most of these trucks are built like gliders. That is, a rolling body and chassis without an engine or transmission that is ready to receive power from Cummins, Detroit, International or Volvo Penta. That’s the role Janus Electric sees itself as filling and it appears to be working.
Janus’ booking book surpassed 70 units last summer, helped in part by the California HVIP Program and US EPA Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) grants. When the HVIP bonus is combined with the Port of Los Angeles’ “Plus” support, customers can receive up to $166,000 per truck conversion. Considering the huge fuel savings from electric and the classic look of the square-nose Western Star truck body, it’s easy to see why they would be a popular choice.
However, as Jerry Seinfeld taught us, it’s one thing to accept a reservation and another thing to honor it. To help make this happen, Janus has signed a battery supply agreement with Electrovaya that will generate initial purchase orders of $26 million for Electrovaya battery packs for demand for Janus products in the US and Canada, along with the battery company’s purchase of approximately $1.4 million in Janus stock with (what appears to be) real money.
“Electrovaya is an important partner of Janus Electric and we are especially pleased that they have decided to invest directly in our business,” explains Ben Hutt, President and CEO of Janus Electric. “The investment is a strong vote of confidence in our technology and approach to electrifying heavy transportation.”
Lots of promise
Trucks repowered by Janus Electric carry a robust 480 hp electric motor that draws power from a standard 310 kWh battery pack, with up to two battery packs (one on each side) of the truck. In practice, that gives Janus trucks up to 370 miles of charged range. After that, the batteries can be fast-charged with DC in less than 90 minutes or exchanged for new ones in about four minutes without also a lot in terms of specialized equipment. That’s not just Janus’ killer app, it means a battery supply deal like this with a strategic partner who’s invested in the fledgling company’s success is a big deal.
“Reliable battery supply is critical to our growth,” adds Hutt, “and the expansion of Electrovaya’s manufacturing capabilities in North America will be important as we grow. Both companies see considerable opportunities in this market and we look forward to capitalizing on our partnership.”
For their part, Electrovoya executives seem aware of their role here and seem excited to be a part of what Janus is doing. “Class 8 trucking is one of the most exciting and challenging frontiers of electrification, and Janus has demonstrated real commercial traction with fleets in the US, Canada and Australia,” said Dr. Raj Das Gupta, CEO of Electrovaya. “Janus has developed a practical solution to one of the main challenges facing heavy transport, allowing diesel trucks to be converted to electric without compromising their business operations.”
Electrovaya will expand its U.S. manufacturing capacity with the production of lithium-ion battery cells, modules and packs at its new, potentially BABA-compatible facility in Jamestown, New York, which is expected to come online in 2027.
SOURCE | IMAGES: Janus Electric, via Charged, Yahoo.
If you’re thinking about going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from some installers. To ensure you find a trustworthy and reliable solar installer near you offering competitive prices, check out energywisea free service that makes it easy for you to use solar energy. They have hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use and you won’t receive sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll have access to unbiased energy advisors to help you every step of the way. Start here
FTC: We use automatic affiliate links that generate income. Further.
