Nexport partners with French company Gaussin to build EV heavy vehicles

A partnership between Nexport and a French outfit will see zero-emission heavy vehicles made in Australia.

Nexport CEO Michel Van Maanen. Picture: Nikki Short

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 currently operating and contracted to the Queensland and New South Wales governments and a number of local councils. It is currently participating in EV tenders with the remaining states and territories.

Nexport said it planned to employ an additional 100 employees, up from its current workforce of 60, to deal with expected demand. It also was looking to move into a new 15,000 sq m factory in Sydney.

St Baker Energy Innovation Fund Founder (L-R) Trevor St Baker, CEO Rodger Whitby and Founder and MD of True Green Mobility Luke Todd in Sydney.

Nexport chief executive Michel van Maanen said the deal with Gaussin reflected the fact that trade been Australia and France was ongoing.

“Discussions with Australian state and federal governments regarding the transition to zero-emissions has been favourable,” said Mr van Maanen. “This agreement will create a large number of jobs in Australia and helps to establish a local manufacturing base.”

Nexport head of global partnerships Sid Rallapalli said the company would be targeting mining companies in Queensland and elsewhere that were looking to move their fleets to zero emissions. “Governments are sending very strong signals in relation to zero emissions,” said Mr Rallapalli. “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 can to increase the uptake of both passenger and commercial electric vehicles.

Mr St Baker also is making a bet on the adoption of mass-market electric cars in Australia, with plans to import EVs costing less than $35,000 into the country.

Mr St Baker will partner with Warren Buffet-backed BYD to import EVs into Australia amid fears the country is slipping behind other nations in EV adoption.

China-based BYD is now one of the world’s largest electric vehicle makers, selling more than 415,000 cars in its home market last year.

Mr St Baker said the St Baker Energy Innovation Fund was doing all it can to increase the uptake of both passenger and commercial vehicles.

“We have established a network of infrastructure for EV owners through Evie Networks, which provides charging facilities across the country and now, we are building the next piece of the puzzle with our investment in True Green Mobility,” said Mr St Baker. “We believe in home grown innovation, and also welcome international partners to the fold.”

Originally published as Nexport partners with French company Gaussin to build EV heavy vehicles