Janus Electric Holdings Ltd (ASX:JNS) has secured its first US state government-backed incentives for vehicle conversions in California, alongside a new infrastructure collaboration aimed at scaling heavy transport electrification across North America.
The company confirmed it has been awarded two vouchers under the state’s Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP), supporting its first US truck conversions through authorised dealer Electric Vehicle Choice.
Each voucher provides funding of US$112,500 per vehicle, reducing up-front costs for fleet operators and marking an early validation of Janus’ conversion technology under one of California’s key decarbonisation incentive programs.
First foothold in California incentive market
The HVIP program, administered by the California Air Resources Board, is a major incentive mechanism designed to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission heavy vehicles across the state.
For Janus, securing eligibility is a critical step in establishing a commercial foothold in the US, particularly in California, where emissions regulations and policy support are among the most advanced globally.
The vouchers were approved within roughly three weeks and apply to the company’s first two conversion units, providing a pathway for initial deployments with US fleet operators.
By lowering the effective cost of its conversion systems, the program is expected to support faster uptake of Janus’ modular battery swap and electrification platform, which targets heavy-duty diesel trucks.
The company is now working to expand HVIP eligibility across additional vehicle models and OEM platforms, broadening its addressable market among Californian fleets.
The update builds on Janus’ broader US push, with the company recently highlighting early export activity and growing interest from ports and logistics operators as it targets high-volume freight markets.
MOU targets freight corridors and port infrastructure
Alongside the voucher approvals, Janus has entered into a non-binding memorandum of understanding with US-based Energy One Solutions International to explore the rollout of electrification infrastructure across North America.
The collaboration will focus on integrating Janus’ battery swap and charging systems with Energy One’s Advanced Virtual Power Plant (AVPP) technology, which enables grid-responsive management of distributed energy assets.
Together, the companies aim to develop “electrification nodes” along major freight corridors, combining vehicle conversion, energy storage and smart grid integration.
A three-phase roadmap has been outlined:
- Phase 1: Deployment at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, supported by potential grant funding under the California Transportation Commission’s Trade Corridor Enhancement Program
- Phase 2: Expansion along key interstate freight routes linking California with major logistics hubs
- Phase 3: Broader rollout across North American ports, distribution centres and transport networks
Energy One is expected to act as the prime applicant for grant funding, while Janus would provide conversion technology and infrastructure systems.
While the agreement is non-binding, it establishes a framework for joint technical development, funding applications and commercial engagement over an initial 24-month term.
Strategy shifts towards integrated rollout
Chief executive officer Ben Hutt said the dual announcements reflect tangible progress in the company’s US strategy.
“Securing HVIP vouchers for our first California conversions demonstrates our technology meets the rigorous requirements of California’s flagship incentive program, and supports initial deployment with fleet operators,” he said.
“The MOU with Energy One is an exciting step in our North American infrastructure strategy and provides a framework to explore freight electrification infrastructure opportunities in North America as we continue to assess the market.”
The update signals a shift from early-stage market entry towards a more integrated deployment model, combining vehicle conversions with supporting energy and charging infrastructure.
Recent updates have also pointed to Janus’ improving financial position — including a A$1.41 million tax refund — and expanding international partnerships, which together are helping underpin its capital-light approach to scaling.
With initial incentives secured and infrastructure partnerships taking shape, the company is now positioning to test its model in one of the world’s most competitive and policy-driven freight electrification markets.