Developed in close collaboration with Fonterra’s transport and operations teams, the charging systems fit seamlessly into existing site layouts and processes. Each installation prioritises safety, ergonomic comfort, driver usability, and accessibility — with the Kwetta equipment, civils and electrical future-proofed for Megawatt Charging System (MCS) standards once available.
Powering up later this year, the Kwetta BEV charging infrastructure will support Fonterra with both Volvo FM 6x4 Electric Rigid and Scania P400E B8x4*4 BEV trucks, which represent some of the most advanced heavy-duty BEVs on the road.
The Volvo FM 6x4 Electric Rigid truck is equipped with 450–540 kWh battery capacity, delivering up to 300 km range. Powered by three electric motors with an I-Shift gearbox, it produces 490 kW of continuous output, and is built for operations up to 50 tonnes GCW.
The Scania P400E B8x4*4 trucks offers 416–728 kWh battery capacity, with ranges from 350–395 km under heavy loads, and up to 600 km at lighter weights. The electric driveline delivers up to 400 kW continuous output, supporting operations at gross train weights of up to 74 tonnes.
Paul Phipps, Fonterra GM National Transport & Logistics, says the installation of charging infrastructure is a critical step in supporting the Co-operative’s broader decarbonisation strategy.
The project will provide valuable insights into performance and efficiency, helping to inform our approach to fleet decarbonisation.
At the heart of each site is the Prime Grid Gateway — Kwetta’s integrated high-voltage power unit. The Prime Grid Gateway delivers 1.2 MW continuous output, with the ability to scale seamlessly to over 12 MW. Its modular design provides built-in redundancy, ensuring that even if one power module is offline, the site remains fully operational — a critical safeguard for fleet reliability. For fleet operators, this resilience means sites can grow as demand increases, while maintaining reliability even under heavy usage.
Each Prime combines the ring main unit, transformer, power electronics, high voltage metering, and control systems into one compact stainless-steel enclosure. This vertical integration reduces site footprint, simplifies installation, and lowers operational costs.
Supporting the Prime is a custom charging dispenser, developed from Kwetta’s flagship Sky Hook innovation, designed to make charging easier and faster for drivers. Key benefits include:
400 kW liquid cooled cables, with up to 8m of reach for flexible parking and positioning
Stainless steel and corrosion-resistant construction for long-term durability
Ergonomic handling
A 10-inch interactive screen for simple, intuitive charging
The opportunity to partner and collaborate with Fonterra, to bring to life innovative, scalable and future proofed Truck BEV charging, is a game changer for Kwetta. It demonstrates the unique value we deliver in the heavy vehicle space” says Dustin Murdock, CEO and Co-Founder of Kwetta. “We’re looking forward to supporting Fonterra as they consider fleet electrification, that easily transitions to megawatt charging, as truck technology and standards come to market.
The global electric truck market is projected to grow from US$29.7 billion in 2024 to nearly US$125 billion by 2030, a compound annual growth rate of ~27% (ACT News). In 2025, electric truck sales surged 175% year-on-year in China, with EV trucks now making up a quarter of all new truck sales (Reuters).
In New Zealand, electrification is accelerating from a small base. Plug-in EVs now make up over 2 % of the national fleet and more than 11 % of new vehicle registrations (Trade.gov). Supported by the country’s 80–85 % renewable electricity grid (EECA), electric trucks are increasingly recognised as a viable pathway to transport decarbonisation.
With support from EECA’s technology demonstration fund, Kwetta is combining innovative New Zealand-made engineering with deep operational insight, to create a scalable model for the future of heavy transport BEV charging.
This project is a powerful example of how Kiwi innovation and collaboration can overcome supply constraints and accelerate the shift to low-emissions heavy transport" says Richard Briggs, Group Manager Delivery & Partnerships at EECA. "By enabling cost effective future-proofed infrastructure to support megawatt charging, Fonterra and Kwetta are showing what’s possible, not just for their own fleet, but for the wider sector. EECA is proud to support technology demonstrations like this, which help alleviate risks and provide blueprints that others can build from.
Fleet operators, contractors, and industry partners interested in high-powered heavy transport BEV charging solutions can connect with Kwetta at kwetta.com.
For media enquiries:
Kwetta Communications
hello@kwetta.com | 06 833 5510