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Electric truck technology company Janus Electric (ASX: JNS) has secured a binding order worth $10 million from US customer Ability Tri-Modal for 16 additional diesel-to-electric truck conversions and 18 battery sets, dramatically expanding the operator's commitment from four to 20 conversions.
The order lifts Janus Electric's total contracted North American order book to 45 conversions, comprising 20 in the United States and 25 in Canada.
The news comes just weeks after Ability Tri-Modal expanded its initial two-unit order to four conversions in early June, signalling rapid acceleration of demand from the California-based fleet operator.
A key driver behind the expanded commitment is a stack of California clean-truck incentives that reduce the net conversion cost to near zero for qualifying operators.
Each truck is eligible for a Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP) voucher worth about US$112,000 and a Port of Los Angeles "Plus" grant of US$54,000, combining for US$166,000 per truck in subsidies.
“The United States is developing into a very substantial order book for Janus," says Janus Electric CEO Ben Hutt.
"California’s technology-neutral incentives make our conversion solution one of the most cost-effective pathways to zero emissions for fleet operators, and that is translating directly into firm orders.
"With Canada moving into its first commercial phase and a strong pipeline building in Australia, our focus now is on scaling manufacturing and delivery to convert this order book into vehicles on the road and long-term recurring revenue.”
The $10 million gross contract value covers the 16 conversion kits, 18 battery sets and a contracted recurring revenue component.
The order is binding but subject to HVIP voucher approval for the 16 trucks, with first deliveries expected in the fourth quarter of calendar 2026.
Beyond the Ability Tri-Modal order, Janus Electric's US pipeline includes proposals to additional California fleet operators, modelling for a potential 50-truck pilot with a major Texas logistics developer, and engagement with the Harbor Trucking Association, whose members operate more than 33,500 trucks.
Janus Electric's battery-swap conversion model replaces diesel powertrains in existing trucks with electric drivetrains paired with swappable battery packs, allowing operators to avoid purchasing new vehicles while transitioning to zero-emission fleets.
The company's North American push runs alongside its Australian operations, where Janus Electric has been building out its battery-swap network and conversion capabilities.
Janus Electric says it is progressing a pipeline of opportunities in Australia across mining, linehaul and quarry operators.
This includes a signed memorandum of understanding, covering eight vehicle conversions for a mining operator and a letter of intent from a repeat customer covering a further five conversions.
Shares in Janus Electric were trading 10 per cent higher at 16c at 3.10pm (AEST).
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