Janus Electric Holdings Ltd (ASX:JNS) earlier this week announced a $5.00 million strategic placement and a long-term distribution partnership with Singapore-based EVUNI to accelerate the electrification of heavy road vehicles in sub-Saharan Africa. COO and founder Lex Forsyth joined Proactive to explain.
Highlights
- Janus Electric announced a $5.00 million strategic placement and a five-year distribution partnership with Singapore-based EVUNI.
- The agreement involves exporting Janus Electric’s powertrain technology from its Australian factory into the African market.
- EVUNI will act as the conversion dealer and operator for the region, working with joint venture partners and supporting electric fueling infrastructure.
- The contract outlines 150 units per year over five years, totalling over 1,000 vehicles, with potential for expansion.
- Forsyth said the deal validates Janus’s powertrain technology for class eight trucks globally.
- The JB650 battery pack, developed with Electric Powertrain Ventures, is positioned as a key global product.
- Strong early interest has come from mining, agriculture, and road haulage sectors in Africa.
- First converted trucks are expected to be integrated into Janus’s ecosystem in early 2026.
- Customers in Africa are motivated by both cost savings and environmental benefits of switching from diesel to electric.
Partnership in numbers
The company said the five-year agreement will see 150 units exported annually from its Australian factory, totalling over 1,000 vehicles. It added that the volumes may be increased in the future depending on market demand.
Janus Electric told investors that EVUNI will become the conversion dealer and operator for the African market. The company highlighted that EVUNI will work with joint venture partners to deliver vehicle conversions and support the rollout of an electric fueling station network across the region.
COO and founder Lex Forsyth said the agreement demonstrated that Janus Electric’s technology is suited to global heavy transport markets. He explained that the JB650 battery pack, developed in partnership with Electric Powertrain Ventures, would support the company’s ambitions to distribute its powertrain and battery solutions into multiple markets.
Forsyth told investors: “The five-year deal is 150 units per annum over the next five years. So essentially it’s a bit over a thousand vehicles, over the next five years.” He added that the deal with EVUNI was the first of several being pursued to expand Janus Electric’s international footprint.
African interest & beyond
The company said EVUNI has already identified customer interest from mining and agriculture operators. Forsyth noted that African industries, including road haulage between ports and mines and freight transport from farm to port, are showing strong demand for electrification.
He highlighted that potential clients are motivated by both cost and environmental benefits of moving from diesel to electric. According to the company, the first converted trucks are expected to enter Janus Electric’s ecosystem in early 2026, with an initial ramp-up program already underway.
Janus Electric said the partnership with EVUNI represents a significant step in its strategy to commercialize its technology in overseas markets. It added that further agreements are being developed to extend the reach of its heavy vehicle electrification solutions.