Three e-trucks for Watercare

Watercare’s $1.2 billion Central Interceptor wastewater tunnel project hopes to get some electric trucks by Christmas.

The Auckland Council organisation which daily supplies about 380 million litres of water and treats around 400 million litres of wastewater has gained $500,000 from the government low emission vehicles contestable fund, administered by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) for its electric trucks initiative.

Watercare says the subsidy not only supports the project financially but also promotes it and the outcomes it is prioritising.

With a four to six-month lead time to get the e-trucks into the country, Watercare hopes to have at least one by December to transport 66,000 tonnes of spoil from the Central Interceptor shafts excavation and reduce at least 306 tonnes of CO2-e.

The trucks produce 79% less CO2 emissions compared with their diesel counterparts and will be prioritised at sites with residential neighbours to reduce noise disturbance, Watercare says.

The trucks will be driven by contractor Fulton Hogan and Watercare hopes learnings from using the e-trucks will be helpful to others in the construction industry.

The project is among 22 successful applicants to the Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund, announced by energy and resources minister Dr Megan Woods.

Watercare’s Central Interceptor Project will work in partnership with contractors, the main one being the Ghella Abergeldie Joint Venture (GAJV), to purchase three electric trucks with lift-off battery swapping capability and charging infrastructure.

Arup plays a key role in the wastewater project design which extends from Grey Lynn to a new pumping station at Mangere using a 14.7km tunnel bored by a machine named Hiwa-i-te-Rangi (vigorous growth) and is due to finish in 2025.

It’s expected to reduce wastewater flows at Auckland inner city beaches and the Auckland Isthmus by 80%.