Electric freight operator New Energy Transport (NET) has announced a major expansion of its electric trucking network after securing an initial $5 million investment, paving the way for more electric prime movers and charging infrastructure across key freight corridors.
The Sydney-based company says the funding will help deploy up to 20 electric prime movers on Australian roads by the end of 2026, along with a network of mobile ultra-fast charging stations designed to support the growing demand for lower-emission freight transport.
Growing Demand for Electric Freight
According to NET, interest from major freight customers has increased significantly as businesses look for ways to reduce emissions across their supply chains.
The company says the new investment will allow it to scale operations more quickly and meet growing demand for electric freight services.
The funding round was backed by investors including the Jekara Group and facilitated by net-zero advisory firm Pollination.
Mobile Charging Infrastructure a Key Focus
A major component of the expansion is the rollout of six mobile ultra-fast charging units across freight corridors in New South Wales.
Unlike traditional charging infrastructure, which can take years to plan and build, NET says its mobile charging systems can be installed and operational within approximately 16 weeks.
The chargers are mounted on movable frames rather than permanently fixed to the ground, allowing them to be relocated as freight volumes and transport routes evolve.
The company believes this flexibility could help overcome one of the biggest barriers to widespread electric truck adoption: access to reliable charging infrastructure.
Up to 10,000 Kilometres of Freight Movements Per Day
NET estimates that its initial electric fleet and charging network will be capable of supporting up to:
- 10,000 kilometres of fully loaded freight movements per day
- A reduction in diesel consumption of approximately 2.5 million litres annually
While electric freight remains a relatively small part of Australia’s transport landscape, investments like this suggest momentum is beginning to build as operators explore alternatives to traditional diesel-powered fleets.
Plans for a National Electric Freight Network
The latest announcement forms part of NET’s broader strategy to establish a nationwide electric freight network.
At the centre of those plans is a proposed heavy vehicle electric trucking depot at Wilton, New South Wales.
The project was recently selected under the Federal Government’s Investor Front Door Program as a project of national significance.
The Wilton facility is expected to:
- Open in late 2027
- Initially support 50 electric trucks
- Expand to accommodate up to 200 vehicles over time
NET is also planning additional freight hubs linking:
- Adelaide
- Melbourne
- Canberra
- Sydney
- Brisbane
with a long-term goal of creating an interconnected electric freight network by 2031.
Charging Infrastructure Remains the Biggest Challenge
While electric truck technology continues to improve, many industry experts agree that charging infrastructure remains one of the biggest hurdles to widespread adoption.
Unlike passenger vehicles, heavy-duty freight operations require:
- High-capacity charging systems
- Strategic charging locations
- Reliable network coverage
- Minimal downtime for vehicles
NET believes its mobile charging approach could help address some of these challenges, particularly in areas where permanent infrastructure has not yet been developed.
The company has also indicated that future deployments may extend into regional freight corridors, including locations such as Yass and Griffith.
Building on Recent Electric Freight Milestones
Earlier this year, NET completed what it described as Australia’s first fully electric end-to-end freight delivery.
The journey involved transporting a semi-trailer load of goods between Sydney and Canberra, covering approximately 300 kilometres on a single charge using a Windrose electric prime mover.
The achievement demonstrated the growing capability of electric heavy vehicles for certain freight tasks, particularly along established interstate and regional corridors.
What It Means for the Transport Industry
Electric trucks continue to generate significant discussion across Australia’s freight sector.
While widespread adoption is still some years away for many operators, developments like this highlight how quickly the technology and supporting infrastructure are evolving.
For transport businesses, the key questions remain:
- How quickly can charging infrastructure expand?
- What freight tasks are best suited to electric vehicles?
- How will costs compare with diesel operations over time?
- What role will hydrogen, battery-electric, and alternative fuels each play in the future freight mix?
What is clear is that investment in alternative freight technologies is accelerating, and projects like this are likely to play an important role in shaping the next chapter of Australia’s transport industry.
At Logbook Checker, we’ll continue to keep operators informed about the technologies, infrastructure projects, and industry developments that could impact the future of freight across Australia.