Australia’s Fremantle Port Tests Electric Trucks for Cost and Emissions Cuts

Patrick Terminals in Fremantle, Western Australia, replaced half of its diesel truck fleet with nine electric terminal tractors and completed a $7 million trial demonstrating both cost savings and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The company swapped eight diesel vehicles for the electric models, adding a ninth for redundancy. Results showed the electric trucks could haul up to 65 tonnes and recharge to 80 percent in under an hour.

The trial cut scope-one emissions at the port facility by 15 percent and reduced energy and maintenance costs by approximately 60 and 30 percent respectively, despite Western Australia's electricity prices and diesel fuel rebates. Drivers reported the electric trucks were quieter and smoother to operate.

Australian Renewable Energy Agency contributed $2.5 million to the trial, hoping to encourage wider adoption of electric vehicles in the freight industry. Patrick Terminals is currently evaluating further investment, while other Australian firms like Unilever and Linfox are already integrating electric heavy-duty vehicles into their fleets.