A freight management initiative from Findatruckload has received $91,000 in the latest round of the Government’s Low Emission Transport Fund.

It is one of 11 new transport projects to receive a part of the $2.14 million up for grabs in the latest round of funding.

Findatruckload, a freight management company, together with iCOS LIVE, a transport management company, will partner to integrate their products to create the Future Initiative, a service that will automate freight alerts to trucks about to run empty to allow them to fill their empty leg, generate more revenue, eliminate the need to put another truck on the road to move the same freight, and thereby save emissions.

“In total, the projects will receive $2.14 million from the Government’s third round of The Low Emission Transport Fund so they can trial new ways of slashing emissions in the transport sector, in areas that were previously seen as hard to decarbonise,” says Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods.

“For example, Core Technology, was chosen to pilot electric outboard motors including ‘handbag’, ‘briefcase’, and ‘carry-on’ sized batteries for use on small watercraft so boat owners can test out what works best for them. The pilot will be based at marinas within the Northland and North Auckland areas.

“It’s great to see projects looking at saving money and waste at the same time by targeting inefficiencies in freight,” said Megan Woods.

“Freight and transport management companies Findatruckload and iCOS LIVE, will partner to identify empty legs. This will allow them to increase revenue, and significantly reduce wasted fuel. It’s a win win,” she said.

Other projects include high-speed EV charging, with Red Phase Technologies working with Z Energy and Powerco to integrate a super high-speed charger at a Waiouru site, using technology that will reduce the impact on the grid.

Jump Charging will also build a portable skid-mounted 75kW DC rapid charging station that can be installed in locations that require temporary increases in EV charging demand such as special events or emergency situations.

The Low Emission Transport Fund, administered by EECA, supports the demonstration and adoption of low emission transport technology, innovation and infrastructure to accelerate the decarbonisation of the New Zealand transport sector.

Organisations were able to apply for up to 50% of the cost of projects that met specific objectives.

The fund focuses on activities in the transport sector that move people and/or goods on roads, off-road, and in the marine and aviation sectors.