Janus Electric Secures Battery Supply Deal for Electric Semi Trucks
Janus Electric partners with Electrovaya to scale its battery-swap heavy transport conversions.
1Strategic Battery Supply Partnership
Australian conversion specialist Janus Electric has finalized a 26 million dollar battery supply agreement with Electrovaya. This deal aims to support the production of Class 8 electric semi-trucks across the United States and Canada. Additionally, Electrovaya has invested 1.4 million dollars in Janus stock, signaling strong confidence in their electrification technology.
2Conversion Model for Semis
Janus Electric focuses on converting diesel-powered Class 8 trucks into electric vehicles using a glider-based approach. By utilizing rolling chassis without engines, the company installs its proprietary electric power units. This method allows fleet operators to transition to electric power while retaining the familiar structure and reliability of traditional heavy-duty truck bodies.
3Financial Incentives Driving Demand
The company's order book exceeded 70 units this past summer, bolstered by significant government support programs. Customers can leverage the California HVIP program alongside the Port of Los Angeles Plus support to receive up to 166,000 dollars per conversion. These financial incentives make the switch to electric power economically attractive for commercial fleets.
4Battery Swap Technology Advantage
Janus trucks feature a 480 hp electric motor powered by 310 kWh battery packs. The system supports up to 370 miles of range when fully loaded. Operators can either DC fast charge in under 90 minutes or perform a battery swap in approximately four minutes, minimizing downtime for critical commercial logistics and transport operations.
5Scaling North American Production
Electrovaya is expanding its manufacturing footprint to meet the rising demand from Janus Electric. A new facility in Jamestown, New York, is expected to come online by 2027. This plant will focus on lithium-ion cell, module, and battery pack production, ensuring a reliable supply chain for the growing fleet of converted electric trucks.
6Commercial Traction and Validation
Janus Electric has demonstrated significant commercial traction with various fleets across Australia, the US, and Canada. Executives from Electrovaya highlighted that this practical solution addresses major challenges in heavy transport electrification. By converting existing diesel trucks, Janus enables operators to adopt sustainable technology without compromising their daily commercial operations or vehicle performance.
7Operational Impact of Swapping
The ability to swap batteries in four minutes without specialized equipment serves as a key differentiator for Janus. This mechanism allows trucks to remain on the road longer compared to traditional charging methods. As the company scales, this strategic partnership ensures that the necessary battery infrastructure keeps pace with the increasing number of orders.
8Future Market Outlook
The collaboration between Janus and Electrovaya underscores the shifting landscape of heavy-duty transport. With government grants and private investment aligning, the conversion market is poised for growth. Both companies view the Class 8 sector as a demanding but essential frontier, focusing on long-term scalability to replace diesel engines with efficient electric alternatives.
Original article: Electrek — Janus Electric Secures Battery Supply Deal for Electric Semi Trucks