Energy infrastructure company, Jemena has unveiled an Australian-first electric powered cherry picker truck as part of its effort to reduce carbon emissions across the Jemena Electricity Networks in North-West Melbourne.

Dubbed the Elevated Work Platform truck, it will reduce Jemena’s carbon output by 30t each year. This comes after Jemena already rolled out energy efficient initiatives like the installation of 500 LED smart street lights that use up to 75% less energy than traditional lights.

Jemena executive general manager of electricity distribution Shaun Reardon says the new cherry picker was made possible thanks to its partnership with Australian automotive technology company SEA Electric: “SEA Electric are a Melbourne-based manufacturer of electric vehicles and leader in converting commercial vehicles from diesel to electric. The cherry picker was converted into an electric vehicle as part of a major reconstruction over a 12-month period.”

SEA Electric sales director for ANZ 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 per cent electric Elevated Work Platform service truck,” Joe explains.

“The SEA Hino FG all-electric vehicle is anticipated to reduce Jemena’s carbon output by 30t per annum.”

Shaun says that on top of the energy savings, the new fleet will be much quieter with its zero exhaust fumes.

Originally a Niftylift-built diesel cherry picker, SEA electric converted the truck into a 100% electric vehicle equipped with a 138kWh battery pack that provides around 200km of range. The elevated work platform is powered by the truck’s battery which will be charged at the end of each day and takes around six hours.