Fleet News Group

The electrification of vehicle fleets is a significant step in the transition towards a more sustainable future. For Ausgrid, Australia’s largest electricity distributor on the East Coast, this shift is more than just an environmental initiative—it’s a strategic move towards operational efficiency and future-proofing their business.

In this episode of the Fleet News Group podcast, Tim Kynoch, Fleet Engineering and Strategy Manager at Ausgrid, shared insights into the company’s journey towards fleet electrification, the challenges they’ve encountered, and their roadmap for the future.

In the first episode of Fleet News Group’s 2025 podcast season, host Marc Sibbald sits down with Barry Saad, Founder and CEO of TRUCK TECH, and Dr. Jana Matthews, the company’s newly appointed Chief Growth and Development Officer.

The conversation delves into TRUCK TECH’s remarkable journey from a single service truck operation in 2007 to a multi-state heavy vehicle maintenance provider with over 120 technicians. Barry shares his passion for fleet safety and his mission to raise industry standards while offering career opportunities for young mechanics.

Dr. Matthews, an expert in scaling businesses, explains why she joined TRUCK TECH and how the company’s commitment to safety, innovation, and strong values sets it apart. She highlights the structured approach TRUCK TECH has taken toward process improvement, team development, and national expansion.

The discussion also explores the company’s early investment in electric vehicle maintenance, including a partnership with BYD and servicing over 300 electric buses and trucks. This forward-thinking approach positions TRUCK TECH as a leader in the independent heavy vehicle service sector.

With a focus on safety, quality, and customer service, Truck Tech is not just expanding—it’s redefining the perception of mechanical trades. Barry and Dr. Matthews discuss the challenges and opportunities in growing a values-driven business while keeping up with industry shifts like electrification. Whether you’re a fleet manager, a mechanic, or someone interested in the future of heavy vehicle maintenance, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolution of an essential industry.

Infinitev’s Executive General Manager Bart Moonen talks with Fleet News group podcast host Caroline Falls about the battery remanufacturer’s new tie up with France-based Forsee Power.

Forsee Power is the biggest battery system maker for buses outside of China. Its smart battery systems are also used in light vehicles, off-highway vehicles, trucks and trains. Infinitev, which is a Melbourne-based unit of Australian Stock Exchange listed group Amotiv, has been signed up to deliver after-sales repair services of the high-voltage battery systems for on-road and off-road in Australia.

Robert Dietz, Co-Founder and CEO of Roev, sat down to discuss his company’s journey from EV conversions to a pioneering software platform tailored for fleet electrification.

Roev’s story begins with an ambitious plan to convert traditional vehicles into electric ones, addressing a clear gap in the Australian automotive market. Today, the company has pivoted towards a software-driven approach, providing fleet managers with tools to streamline their transition to electric vehicles (EVs) while maximising cost efficiency and sustainability outcomes.

Riz Akhtar, founder of EV data service Carloop, talks about his upcoming trip to China to visit electric vehicle makers on this Fleet News Group podcast with host Caroline Falls.

He highlights the rapid development of Chinese EV brands, especially their launch of new models as quickly as every six months, compared with legacy automakers traditional business.

Brands like Xpeng, Zeekr, BYD, and a few other companies have sprung up and moved at a very, very fast pace, without having any of the shackles of the bigger established organisations.

Fleet News Group podcast host Caroline Falls holidayed in Milan recently and took the opportunity to speak with Davide Gibellini, managing partner of Europe’s largest fleet management group Fleetcompetence. 

In a fascinating conversation, they talked about the bind facing European car makers as they ramp up EV production, the incredible advance being made by ENI’s vegetable oils to power fleets, cost-free moves fleets are making to cut emissions with their traditional ICE vehicles, and how AI is revolutionising remarking of used vehicles.

In this podcast episode, Lauren Lister, Vice President of People, Performance, and Culture at Custom Fleet, delved into the company's evolving workplace culture, diversity efforts, and its future workforce strategy. Lister, who has been with Custom Fleet for over 12 years, shared candid insights into the importance of belonging and how it aligns with the company’s people-centric approach.

In this episode, host Caroline Falls talks with Rebecca Wilson, Head of Business Energy Solutions at Z Energy, several key insights were shared about the future of energy, particularly in the context of the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) in New Zealand and Australia.

Wilson is speaking at the Electro Mobility Summit and Expo in Auckland during October and she outlined Z Energy’s evolving role as more than just a fuel retailer, emphasising the company’s shift towards becoming a modern energy provider with a growing network of EV chargers. This transition aligns with broader global efforts to decarbonise the transport sector, which has been a major focus for Z Energy as they support businesses in their energy transition journey.

Founded in 2015 by Sam Korkees and Brendan Wheeler, EVSE has been at the forefront of providing electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions across Australia and New Zealand. In this episode, Sam shares the journey of EVSE, from its humble beginnings to becoming a leading player in the electric vehicle charging infrastructure space with a new product offering - Charging as a Service.

Kirsten Corson, chair of New Zealand’s electric vehicle lobby Drive Electric joined Fleet News Group podcast host Caroline Falls and talked about the ups and downs of EVs in her country, in Australia, and globally.