Freight Gets a Jolt as Australia Plans Electric Truck Network

Mondo and ARENA plan Melbourne site to test large-scale charging for heavy vehicles

24 Oct 2025

Australia is set to build its first major charging hub for electric trucks, marking a significant step toward cutting emissions in road freight. Energy company Mondo, supported by AUD 12.3mn in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), will develop the facility in Melbourne’s Laverton North, with completion targeted for late 2026.

The project will install 14 high-powered charging bays designed to serve an initial fleet of about 20 battery-electric trucks operated by multiple logistics firms. Each charger will have a capacity of about 350kW with dual plugs, according to ARENA. The site will also function as a research and demonstration facility to study how large trucks can charge efficiently without overloading the grid.

“This is about proving electric freight can work in the real world, not just on paper,” said a senior ARENA transport manager. The data gathered will inform plans for future heavy-vehicle charging corridors across the country.

Industry analysts view the project as a potential model for shared charging infrastructure, helping reduce costs for medium-sized operators and paving the way for wider fleet participation. If successful, it could draw private investment into commercial truck charging networks and speed up adoption nationwide.

Challenges remain around grid connection costs, available power capacity, and the need for standardised technology. Mondo and its partners are working with truck manufacturers and regulators to align with the upcoming global Megawatt Charging System standard, intended to support heavy-duty vehicles with higher energy needs.

Although still in early development, the Laverton hub is seen as a signal that Australia’s clean transport shift is advancing. If it performs as expected, it could demonstrate that electric freight is both technically and commercially viable, marking a move from pilot projects to practical infrastructure.