The first all-electric aviation refueller in Australia was put into operation this week – a SEA Electric SEA 500 EV – which has been designed and engineered in Australia.

Built in conjunction with global aviation fuel products and service supplier Air bp and aviation specialists Refuel International in Melbourne, the vehicle will be based at Brisbane Airport, uplifting Jet-A1 for business and general aircraft at the busy international airport.

The refueller can carry approximately 16,000 litres of aviation fuel, with all onboard pumps and functions fully electrified, with the management of the systems provided by the proprietary SEA-Drive power-system.

This system has previously been adapted to electrify a wide range of ancillary functions, such as the hydraulic systems found on refuse vehicles, elevated work platforms, tippers and tilt trays, or the cooling units found in refrigerated delivery trucks.

This latest adaptation sees the bulk of the energy for the truck devoted to the fuel delivery task, rather than propulsion for the vehicle.

“SEA Electric is proud to be partnering with Air bp on this world-leading project, which sets the standard for environmental credentials and performance, all while showcasing the possibilities of EV technology,” said Tony Fairweather, SEA Electric’s chief executive and founder.

“Working airside on the tarmac has its own special suite of conditions when contrasted to a delivery truck on the open road, with the energy demands of the vehicle vastly different to the norm, however, leading criteria such as safety and reliability remain imperative,” he said.

“Of course, there are environmental benefits of converting to EV, with CO₂ and other exhaust particulates eliminated, which makes for a healthier work environment at airports,” Fairweather added.

This is the first step towards an airport becoming a Virtual Power Plant.

“Imagine the near future whereby every Brisbane airport vehicle is battery electric and networked to both renewable sources of energy for charging (such as roof-mounted solar) and also to the grid itself to deploy excess energy when the grid requires it,” said Fairweather.

“This is just around the corner.

“Transport makes up a significant portion of total emissions, with the adoption of pioneering EV technology, such as this aircraft refuelling truck, showing a great level of social responsibility.”