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Some of Australia’s road trucks are gaining a new lease of life, thanks to Janus Electric’s drivetrain and battery technology. The company has developed kits that turn diesel-powered trucks into zero-emission, battery-powered vehicles. It also makes the recharging infrastructure, which includes swappable batteries.
‘This is a fast and reliable process that ensures vehicles get quickly back on the road,’ says Prateek Chourdia, Head of Commercial, Janus Electric. ‘Our conversion kits support the transition to zero-emission transport.
‘In late 2025, we shipped our first conversion kits to the US. Our kits are assembled here in Australia based on Australian IP [intellectual property]. It shows that Australia’s net zero engineering is competitive in global markets.’
Turning diesel trucks into electric vehicles
Founded in 2019, Janus Electric is a New South Wales–based engineering company. The company has developed a conversion kit with a swappable battery system to power fleets of heavy trucks. This means diesel-engine road trucks can be refitted with an electric drivetrain and batteries.
Janus Electric has also created a renewables-powered recharging solution that involves exchangeable batteries. A truck can swap out old batteries for new ones in just 4 minutes. This means trucks do not have to wait to recharge or depend on overnight charging.
‘We are the only company in Australia that has successfully created a vertically integrated, truck conversion kit, battery-swapping station and energy management ecosystem,’ says Chourdia. ‘Our company has grown to 35 employees and is continuing to expand domestically and internationally.’
Lowering emissions and saving costs
The technology is a game-changer for trucking companies, according to Chourdia. The conversion kits represent an efficient green technology solution for existing vehicles.
‘Our solution delivers cost savings to clients and results in far lower emissions,’ he says. ‘We sell the kits to partners who do the actual conversions.’
Janus Electric manufactures the conversion kits at its facility on the Central Coast.
‘Our IP is developed in Australia, and it covers the integration of renewable energy into our charging station network,’ says Chourdia.
Trucks that have been converted to the Janus Electric platform are now driving across New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.
Janus Electric offers conversion kits that turn diesel-powered trucks into zero-emission, battery-powered vehicles.
Exporting to the US
In Australia, Janus Electric kits are used to convert multiple makes of trucks, including Kenworth, MAC, Western Star and Volvo.
The US has emerged as a natural export market. This is partly because Kenworth is a US marque and partly because US government agencies provide strong support for energy transition programs through vouchers and incentives.
‘Over the last 3 years, multiple US states have introduced subsidies for the electrification of medium and heavy-duty trucks,’ says Chourdia. ‘These subsidies also apply to vehicle-charging infrastructure. California is the most aggressive in terms of subsidies, so that’s where we focused our initial attention.’
Janus Electric shipped its first set of conversion kits in the fourth quarter of 2025.
‘We have sent 2 conversion kits, which include the charging stations and the batteries,’ says Chourdia. ‘Currently 2 trucks are in production; however, the infrastructure exists to support 4. We anticipate further sales given the state of the market.’
From industry challenge to export opportunity
Chourdia says the export deal shows the competitiveness of Australian engineering.
‘Australia has a longstanding love affair with Kenworth Trucks,’ he says. ‘We have found a way to electrify them, and to do that in a modular way that is not capital-intensive. This is a great example of how Australian engineering can turn a challenge into an export.’
Janus Electric is exploring other potential markets. This includes countries that seek to electrify heavy transport vehicles, including Canada, New Zealand, Europe, the UK, South Africa and South Asia.
Austrade helps identify export prospects
Austrade advisers are helping Janus Electric explore opportunities overseas.
‘Currently we are supporting Janus Electric in 4 countries where we think there is potential for their technology,’ says David Shao, Global Engagement Manager, Austrade. ‘Our role is to help the company find markets and introduce them to customers and partners.
‘This is part of our mission to promote Australian green technology in South Asia and Southeast Asia. Our business development managers are active in India, Japan, Singapore, Vietnam and Indonesia.’
Chourdia advises exporter to ‘work with Austrade to leverage their expansive network’. He also emphasises finding an import partner that can help set up the business and maintain momentum.
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