Source: Australian Renewable Energy Agency
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced up to $25.3 million in funding for NewVolt to build a shared fast‑charging network for electric trucks in Victoria, to support the electrification of Australian road freight.
NewVolt will deliver three open-access, fast‑charging hubs for heavy and medium electric trucks along major freight corridors in Melbourne’s west, south-east and northern suburbs. The charging hubs will provide fast charging to both foundation fleet customers and the broader industry. ARENA’s investment includes support for between 50 and 100 electric trucks operating heavy freight across greater Melbourne in what represents the first phase of NewVolt’s planned national network.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller said projects like this are critical to cutting emissions from one of Australia’s hardest‑to‑abate sectors.
“Heavy freight is one of the toughest forms of transport to electrify. It relies on high-powered, reliable charging and today the upfront cost of new trucks and infrastructure is a real barrier,” Mr Miller said.
“By backing shared charging infrastructure projects like NewVolt, ARENA is lowering the barrier to entry for a broader spectrum of operators and building the foundations of a national electric freight network.”
Mr Miller said the project would also help strengthen Australia’s energy security.
“Australia’s freight supply chain is reliant on imported diesel. Decarbonising our heavy freight is not only good for emissions, but it also means the freight sector will be protected from international oil price volatility. Projects like this can help build a more resilient transport system by powering trucks with Australian electricity instead.”
The first site is targeted to open in late 2026, with the remaining hubs to be delivered through 2027.
NewVolt CEO and Co-Founder Anthony Headlam said, “Since we founded NewVolt in 2019, our mission has been to fast-track the Australian freight industry’s transition to electric trucks. ARENA’s investment helps bring forward that transition.”
“The NewVolt Network represents foundational infrastructure for heavy vehicle electrification. The network is purpose-built for trucks – offering price-certain, scheduled fast charging for fleets large and small, powered by renewable energy. The trucks are now available in the market and the business case for fleets to electrify keeps getting better. Our network helps fleets deploy those trucks confidently.”
The project is funded through ARENA’s Driving the Nation Program, which aims to help industry build confidence in electric freight solutions and accelerate emissions reductions across Australia’s transport sector. For more information on Driving the Nation including program guidelines, eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit ARENA’s funding page.
About ARENA’s focus on Decarbonising Transport
Decarbonising transport is a key strategic priority for ARENA. Transport plays a vital role as an enabler of Australia’s economy, yet is responsible for around 20% of Australia’s emissions. The government’s latest Transport and Infrastructure Sector Plan warns that as the economy grows, demand is projected to rise for transport modes across land, air and sea until at least 2050.
To address this challenge, ARENA is currently focused on supporting projects that accelerate the uptake of electric vehicles and low-carbon fuels across both light and heavy road transport. Read more about these focus areas on ARENA’s strategic priorities page.