Four More Janus Electric Trucks to go on test this year

Company also working on charging stations between Brisbane and Sydney


Four more Janus Electric prototypes to go on test this year
How exchanging batteries works
Exchangeable battery-electric truck firm Janus Electric is planning to ramp up its testing program this year with four vehicles undergoing conversions.

When done, the Janus fleet each armed with a single interchangeable battery, will number five.

"We have already completed proof of concept testing of a converted Kenworth T403 which will be on display at the Brisbane Truck Show," Janus Electric general manager Lex Forsyth says.

"The next step is to further test another four prototypes currently being converted with the aim of generating 250,000km of additional performance data.

"These test vehicles will be on the Pacific Highway from later this year."

The company is currently firming up its charge stations, which will store charged batteries for exchange with those low on power.

"They will be located strategically to coincide with mandatory driver fatigue breaks," Forsyth says.

"Ultimately there will be a national network of change and charge stations.

"Initially, they will be located at Hemmant in Brisbane, Taree and Coffs Harbour on the Pacific Highway and Prestons in Sydney."

It is understood the fleet additions will be based on Kenworth T610 and Mack Trident and Super-Liner trucks.

Battery range is put at up to 600kms depending on the application and load.

Janus explains that its battery-cell technology will be "fully upgradable with new emerging battery technology" as lithium cells are superseded and the units presently have a life of up to eight years.