NEXPORT HITCHES ELECTRIC RIDE WITH FRENCH
AUSTRALIAN company Nexport has partnered with a French firm to make zero emission electric vehicles.
French-based Gaussin, which makes electric prime movers, airport transporters, buses and refuellers, said it had chosen Nexport because of its established electric vehicle manufacturing capability. Sydney-based Nexport’s electric bus fleet is operating and contracted to the Queensland and NSW governments and several local councils. It is participating in EV tenders with the remaining states and territories.
Nexport chief executive Michel van Maanen said discussions with state and federal governments regarding the transition to
This agreement will create a large number of jobs in Australia Michel van Maanen
zero-emission vehicles had been favourable. “This agreement will create a large number of jobs in Australia and helps to establish a local manufacturing base,” he said.
Nexport said it planned to boost its current workforce of 60 by hiring an additional 100 employees to deal with expected demand.
It also was looking to move into a new 15,000sq m factory in Sydney.
Nexport head of global partnerships Sid Rallapalli said the company would be targeting mining companies ihat were looking to move their fleets to zero emissions.
“Governments are sending very strong signals in relation to zero emissions,” Mr Rallapalli said. “This will lead to a resurgence in local manufacturing.”
Nexport is backed by Australian billionaire Trevor St Baker. The St Baker Energy Innovation Fund in May made a $20m investment in Sydney-based TrueGreen Mobility, the parent company of Nexport.
Mr St Baker said the St Baker Energy Innovation Fund was doing all it could to increase the uptake of both passenger and commercial electric vehicles.