First all-electric aviation refueller rolls out

The covers have been pulled off Australia’s first electric aviation refuelling truck, with the SEA Electric SEA 500 EV now in service at Brisbane International Airport.

Designed and engineered in Australia and based upon a Hino 500 Series medium-duty model, the vehicle is the result of a collaboration with aviation fuel and service supplier Air bp and Melbourne- based aviation specialist Refuel International.

Powered by SEA Electric’s proprietary SEA-Drive all-electric power system, the truck can carry approximately 16,000 litres of aviation fuel, with all onboard pumps and functions fully electrified.

This includes a wide range of ancillary function, including the hydraulic systems commonly found on waste collection vehicles, elevated work platforms (EVPs), tippers or tilt trays, and the cooling systems found in refrigerated trucks.

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“SEA Electric is proud to be partnering with Air bp on this world-leading project, which sets the standard for environmental credentials and performance, all while showcasing the possibilities of EV technology,” said Tony Fairweather, SEA Electric’s CEO and Founder.

“Working airside on the tarmac has its own special suite of conditions when contrasted to a delivery truck on the open road, with the energy demands of the vehicle vastly different to the norm, however, leading criteria such as safety and reliability remain imperative.

“Of course, there are environmental benefits of converting to EV, with CO2 and other exhaust particulates eliminated, which makes for a healthier work environment at airports.

“Furthermore, this is the first step towards an airport becoming a Virtual Power Plant (VPP). Imagine the near future whereby every Brisbane airport vehicle is battery electric and networked to both renewable sources of energy for charging (such as roof-mounted solar) and also to the grid itself to deploy excess energy when the grid requires it. This is just around the corner.

“Transport makes up a significant portion of total emissions, with the adoption of pioneering EV technology, such as this aircraft refuelling truck, showing a great level of social responsibility,” Mr Fairweather said.

SEA Electric says the project underlines the health of local expertise and know-how.

“Air bp has been collaborating with SEA and Refuel International for two years on the custom-designed and specialised electric refueller to meet exacting performance and safety requirements,” said Daniel Tyzack, Managing Director, Air bp Asia Pacific.

“We are delighted to launch the refueller at Brisbane Airport where we are responsible for fuelling 30 airlines and approximately 100 flights daily.

“Our work reflects bp’s ambition to become a net zero company by 2050 or sooner and to help the world get to net zero by working with our customers to help decarbonise.”