Janus Electric signs MOU for 20-truck Texas pilot with ConGlobal
Janus Electric Holdings Limited (ASX: JNS) has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ConGlobal, targeting a proposed initial 20-truck conversion pilot in Texas. The ConGlobal MOU also contemplates potential expansion across ConGlobal’s 31 US depot locations.
The proposed pilot site is ConGlobal’s Fort Worth Intermodal Logistics Center in Alliance, Texas. It would mark an expansion of Janus’ US operating footprint beyond California.
The structure is partner-led. According to Janus, the MOU offers an opportunity to establish truck conversion, servicing and battery-swapping capabilities through an experienced operator, rather than building its own facilities at every location. The MOU is non-binding and the commercial terms remain confidential.
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How the ConGlobal partnership would work
Pilot and network expansion
The proposed pilot would involve Class 8 trucks operated by local fleets and independent owner-operators. Class 8 refers to heavy-duty trucks at the top of the US weight classification range.
Subject to the pilot’s success and definitive agreements, the parties intend to explore expansion across the 31 US depots. Any expansion would be based on fleet demand, available infrastructure and commercial viability at each site.
Who does what
The MOU outlines a division of responsibilities between the two companies, summarised below.
| Role | Detail |
|---|---|
| Conversions | ConGlobal mechanics would earn Janus certification and perform the diesel-to-electric truck conversions |
| Battery swapping and maintenance | Selected facilities would host battery-swapping operations and provide ongoing maintenance |
| Infrastructure | ConGlobal would apply its existing container modification capabilities to manufacture containerised battery charge-and-swap stations to Janus’s specifications, creating a source of locally manufactured charging infrastructure |
| Marketing | The parties intend to develop a joint marketing approach targeting carriers, shipping lines and owner-operators |
On the commercial side, Janus would contract directly with fleet operators for the sale of its conversion kits, batteries and associated services.
Ben Hutt, Managing Director and CEO, Janus Electric
“The proposed initial 20-truck pilot in Texas would mark our expansion beyond California and provide an opportunity to demonstrate a scalable commercial model before progressing to additional sites across ConGlobal’s network.”
Why battery swapping and truck conversion matter to fleets
Janus converts Class 6 to 8 heavy diesel trucks to electric. A conversion replaces the diesel drivetrain with an electric one, so a fleet can keep using an existing truck.
Battery swapping means a depleted battery is exchanged for a charged one rather than the truck waiting while it plugs in. Janus says its integrated solution delivers near-zero downtime and total cost of ownership savings, a claim made by the company.
The system comprises the Janus Conversion Module (JCM), swappable battery systems, and the Janus Charge & Change Station (JCCS).
For the investment case, ConGlobal’s established facilities, technical workforce and customer relationships are described as a potential platform for Janus to expand its operations across the US. ConGlobal’s profile includes:
- More than 50 years of industry experience operating terminals and depots
- Skilled technical teams that maintain and repair chassis, yard trucks and other heavy equipment
- A US depot network of 31 locations
- Industry relationships with major transport and logistics operators
Brant Ring, CEO, ConGlobal
“…Every fleet’s needs are different, and that decision is theirs to make. Our role is to put ConGlobal’s infrastructure, technical expertise, and long-standing industry relationships to work, so operators and customers have more options as their strategies evolve.”
What the MOU means for Janus investors and what happens next
The MOU is a step toward demonstrating a scalable US commercial model beyond California, with ConGlobal’s existing network as the potential platform. It remains non-binding, and the commercial terms remain confidential.
Janus’ announcement lists existing US operators and partners including ConGlobal, Ability Tri-Modal, Golden State Express, Tradelink Transport, King Fio Trucking and Electric Vehicle Choice. The company’s forward-looking statements note that MoUs are not binding orders and may not convert to executed contracts or revenue.
Funding for the US build-out is already in motion, with Janus completing an A$7.7M placement aimed at North American infrastructure, delivery and battery supply.
Ability Tri-Modal’s expanded order to four conversion kits, backed by roughly US$166,000 per truck in confirmed California incentives, shows how existing US operators are already reducing upfront costs on Janus conversions.
Key milestones stated in the announcement:
- MOU term: the MOU remains in effect for 90 days from the Effective Date, or until superseded by a definitive agreement between the parties, whichever comes first.
- Definitive agreements: expansion is subject to definitive agreements between the parties.
- Pilot execution: the proposed 20-truck pilot at the Fort Worth Intermodal Logistics Center in Alliance, Texas.
- Network expansion: possible expansion across ConGlobal’s 31 US depots, subject to the pilot’s success and commercial viability at each site.
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