Australian-first e-cherry picker truck revealed

An electric cherry picker truck developed by SEA Electric is on the road to help reduce carbon emissions across the Jemena Electricity Network in Melbourne’s North-West.

SEA Electric Australia and New Zealand sales director Joe Di Santo says his team is excited to see the industry-first vehicle join Jemena’s Victorian fleet.

“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,” he says.

The SEA Hino FG is the first step in greening Jemena’s fleet, the e-cherry picker expected to reduce Jemena’s carbon output by 30 tonnes annually.

This is in addition to other energy efficient initiatives already rolled out within the network including the installation of 500 LED ‘smart streetlights’ that use up to 75% less energy than traditional lighting.

“SEA Electric is a Melbourne-based manufacturer of electric vehicles and a leader in converting commercial vehicles from diesel to electric,” Jemena electricity distribution executive general manager Shaun Reardon says.

“The cherry picker was converted into an electric vehicle as part of a major reconstruction over a 12-month period.”

Reardon says it will also benefit customers with a quieter operation and zero exhaust emissions adding Jemena will look for new ways to further reduce carbon emissions.

Originally a diesel truck, Nifty-Lift built a custom electric elevated work platform and SEA Electric converted the Hino truck into a 100% EV with a 138kWh battery pack providing around 200km range.

The elevated work platform is powered by the truck’s battery which is charged for about six hours at the end of each day.

The electric cherry picker began operating within the Jemena Electricity Network this week.

Jemena is an $11.5 billion company which owns and manages some of Australia’s most significant gas and electricity assets.