Janus Electric has secured a $26 million initial purchase order agreement with Electrovaya to supply battery packs for its Class 8 electric truck conversions. The agreement addresses production scaling for the company’s diesel-to-electric conversion approach, which targets glider trucks that lack pre-installed engines and transmissions.
Conversion Specifications and Charging Performance
The Janus Electric repowered Class 8 trucks utilize a 480 horsepower electric motor powered by a standard 310 kWh battery pack. Operators can install up to two battery packs—one on each side of the vehicle—to achieve a loaded range of up to 370 miles. Once depleted, the battery systems support DC fast charging in under 90 minutes. Alternatively, the packs can be physically swapped out for fresh units in approximately four minutes without specialized equipment.
Supply Agreement and Manufacturing Expansion
Under the terms of the new agreement, Electrovaya will provide an initial $26 million in battery packs to fulfill demand across the United States, Canada, and Australia. Additionally, Electrovaya is purchasing approximately $1.4 million in Janus stock. To support future demand, Electrovaya is expanding its American manufacturing footprint with a new lithium-ion cell, module, and battery pack production facility in Jamestown, New York, scheduled to come online in 2027.
Market Demand and Practical Takeaway
Janus Electric’s order book has surpassed 70 units, bolstered by regional funding incentives including California’s HVIP Program, the Port of Los Angeles’ “Plus” support, and the US EPA’s Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) Grants. For heavy-duty fleet operators exploring zero-emission alternatives, modular battery swapping and diesel conversion programs offer a viable pathway to electrification without the need to purchase entirely new vehicle platforms.
Source: Original report