Leading the charge on fuel-efficient operationsFriday 8 May 2026
The 400kW charger has been installed to service a fully electric loader and newly introduced electric logging truck bought by Rotorua Forest Haulage (RFH). Together, these machines are replacing traditional diesel-powered equivalents and marking an important shift in how work is done across the supply chain. The set-up is believed to be the first of its kind in the world, combining a high-capacity charger with both an electric loader and electric logging truck operating in a live forestry-related environment. What’s more, there are times when logs processed at KPP will be loaded, transported and unloaded all by electric powered heavy vehicles, with our customer PermaPine investing in their own fully electric loader at their site near Reporoa. General Manager for Sustainability, Colin Maunder, says the project is a practical step towards Kaingaroa Tipu’s long-term goal of eliminating fossil fuels from our operations. “This reflects how, as a business, we are being more climate positive in our approach to the work we do, but more simply it’s also about learning, testing what works, building capability, and setting ourselves up for the future.” Growing infrastructure While the charger itself is a key feature, the project has involved much more behind the scenes. Kaingaroa Tipu has invested more than $1 million into the installation, including civil works, concreting, and upgrading electrical infrastructure to support the system. The charger can service two machines at once, splitting its output as needed. To ensure reliability in KPP’s demanding environment, much of the equipment has been housed within a protective container to shield it from dust and temperature extremes. “This isn’t just plugging in a charger,” Colin says. “It’s building the infrastructure to support a different way of operating.” Supporting a growing electric fleet RFH’s electric loader has already been operating at KPP for close to a year, while the electric logging truck is a more recent addition to its fleet. RFH received support from the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority to adopt both vehicles. Early indications are promising. The loader can be topped up during scheduled breaks and continue running through the day, while the truck uses short charging intervals to maintain its operating range. It also benefits from regenerative braking, capturing energy when travelling downhill. Together, the machines are helping to reduce reliance on diesel, which has traditionally powered forestry operations. Building on an already electrified system KPP is already a highly electrified site, and this latest development strengthens that position. KPP site manager Phil Loest says the charger fits with KPP’s site philosophy of using locally generated electricity for processing wherever we can. Colin adds how it’s easy to overlook just how significant this is. “If we were processing our stem logs in the forest, we’d typically rely on multiple diesel machines to process them. At KPP, that work is already electrified,” he says. “That’s a big efficiency gain, and now we’re extending that electrification further into the supply chain.” More >> Source & image credit: Kaingaroa Tipu | ||
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