- Published:
- Wednesday 12 July 2017
The first of a fleet of nine electric trucks will soon hit the road thanks to funding received from the Andrews Labor Government through the $20 million New Energy Jobs Fund.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio was in Dandenong today to see the first electric truck produced by SEA Automotive handed to Kings Transport.
SEA Automotive received $517,000 from the Labor Government in October last year to develop a facility to manufacture commercial electric vehicles.
It was one of 24 grant recipients to receive funding under the first round of the New Energy Jobs Fund.
The SEA trucks features a modular electric drive power pack system which can be used to power new medium duty vehicles or repower existing diesel trucks.
The project is expected to employ up to 80 skilled automotive assembly workers within four years.
The New Energy Jobs Fund is part of the Labor Government’s Future Industries Fund, which supports high growth and high value industries, such as the new energy technologies and transport technologies sector that are critical to securing Victoria’s future as a competitive, innovative and outward looking economy.
More than $5 million was awarded to 24 projects in the first round of the New Energy Jobs Fund, with a further $6.7 million awarded to 21 projects for the second round.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“Today we’re seeing the results of a fantastic initiative, made possible thanks to our New Energy Jobs Fund.”
“We’re helping businesses right across the state develop a diverse range of new energy technology projects to help support this vital sector.”
“The long-term aim of this project is to develop an innovative range of electric-powered commercial vehicles for a wide range of purposes.”