In order to electrify large haulage trucks at distant mine sites, the Albanese government has partnered with Fortescue to create the first rapid chargers for heavy battery-electric vehicles (EVs) in history. As part of the $400 million Industrial Transformation Stream under the Albanese Government’s $1.9 billion Powering the Regions Fund, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has awarded a $10 million grant to support this partnership.
Building 6MW fast chargers that can charge 240-ton battery-electric trucks in 30 minutes is the main goal of Fortescue’s $35.3 million Fast Charger for Heavy Battery Electric Vehicles project. The chargers will be compatible with equipment from the mining, rail, and heavy industry sectors and will be constructed in accordance with international charging system standards.
The project expands upon Fortescue’s current 3MW prototype, which is now undergoing testing at the Christmas Creek mine site in Western Australia as well as at Fortescue’s Hazelmere research and development facility. By the end of 2025, the project should be finished.
Chris Bowen, Australia’s Minister for Climate Change and Energy, highlighted the project’s importance and pointed out that although Australia’s resources sector is vital, lowering emissions can be difficult. He characterized the project as a creative way to help the nation’s energy transformation. Josh Wilson, assistant minister for climate change and energy, also commended the program for helping the mining industry cut carbon emissions, which is essential to meeting net-zero goals by 2050.
By tackling problems including pollution, price volatility, and energy insecurity in heavy industries—especially mining—the project seeks to lessen dependency on fossil fuels.
