Wednesday 19 August 2020

Energy infrastructure company unveils ‘Australia’s first’ electric cherry picker

Australian energy infrastructure company, Jemena, has unveiled the 'country's-first' electric-powered cherry picker truck as part of its efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions across its electricity network in Melbourne.

The electric elevated work platform service truck is forecast to reduce the company's carbon output by 30 tonnes every year.

Originally a diesel truck, the automotive technology company SEA Electric converted the truck into a 100% electric vehicle (EV) equipped with a 138kWh battery pack which provides around 200 kilometres of range.

The elevated work platform is powered by the truck’s battery which takes around six hours to be charged.

This EV is added to other energy-efficient initiatives already rolled out within the network, including the installation of 500 LED street lights which use up to 75% less energy than traditional lighting.

Jemena’s Executive General Manager for Electricity Distribution Shaun Reardon said: "Not only is this electric-powered cherry picker the first step in greening our fleet, but it will also benefit our customers with quieter operation and zero exhaust emissions. We will look for new ways to further reduce the carbon emissions across our electricity network in the future.”

SEA Electric Sales Director for Australia and New Zealand Joe Di Santo said: “It’s been a special and historical project for the management and engineering staff at SEA Electric to partner with Jemena in the development of this Australian-first 100% electric elevated work platform service truck."