First electric trucks to be deployed by TR Group

24 January 2019

TR Group Limited is delighted to share that the Minister of Energy has announced that TR Group will receive funding from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) to contribute towards the purchase of our first electric trucks to be deployed as part of TR Group’s nationwide, 1300 strong, heavy commercial vehicle rental fleet. EECA administers the Government’s Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund. The fund is one of a range of initiatives in the Government’s electric vehicles programme, aimed at increasing the uptake of electric vehicles in New Zealand. The fund offers up to 50% funding towards specific projects.

EECA will co-fund TR Group to buy 3 electric 4x2 curtainside trucks with tail lifts and an 11 tonne GVM. These are aimed at the local pick-up and delivery market. In conjunction with EECA’s support, TR Group aims to increase the uptake of electric trucks in New Zealand by providing transport operators easy and risk-free access to trial and learn about this technology. In turn, TR Group can focus on providing competitive, economical access to electric vehicles while we work to understand the long-term economic viability for heavy commercial electric trucks in New Zealand. The support of EECA will also assist us while we work on developing preventative maintenance programmes and servicing schedules for these vehicles.

TR Group’s General Manager, Brendan King, says “I believe we have a very strong position in the transport industry, one that we have worked hard on over many years in conjunction with the loyal support of our many customers. Because of this position we believe we have a responsibility to show leadership and help the industry evolve with this type of technology. This means taking risks on their behalf and doing the learning about electric trucks – how they work, what are the pitfalls, what are the advantages, and how to make the most of them. This is what we intend to do.”

Andrew Carpenter, Managing Director of TR Group was thankful to EECA for their support. “This trial would not be possible without the support of EECA and the Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund. We are incredibly excited about the potential positive impact that electric trucks can have in the heavy commercial vehicle sector and look forward to working with our customers to prove out their long-term economic viability and of course their positive impact on our environment.”

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