Air bp has introduced a next generation new model all-electric refueller for customers lifting Jet-A1 at Brisbane airport, one of Australia's largest airports. It was put into operation on 30 August, 2022.

This refueller uses lithium-ion batteries and digital charging mechanisms, making it the first all-electric hazardous goods vehicle and refueller approved for use in Australia. The refueller can carry approximately 16,000 litres of fuel and has been designed to operate for a full day with overnight charging. Air bp also anticipates that the electric refueller will reduce bp's operation and maintenance costs when compared with similar diesel-fuelled refuellers.

The refueller was manufactured in collaboration with e-mobility solutions company SEA Electric, which provided the electric power system, and Refuel International, a global manufacturer and supplier of specialised refuelling vehicles, equipment, and support services to the aviation industry.

Air bp Asia Pacific managing director Daniel Tyzack says: “Air bp has been collaborating with SEA and Refuel International for two years on the custom-designed and specialised electric refueller to meet exacting performance and safety requirements. We are delighted to launch the refueller at Brisbane airport, where we are responsible for fuelling 30 airlines and approximately 100 flights a day. Our work reflects bp's ambition to become a net zero company by 2050 or sooner, and to help the world get to net zero by working with our customers to help decarbonise fuelling operations.”

“SEA Electric is proud to be partnering with bp on this world-leading project,” adds founder and CEO Tony Fairweather. ”By successfully producing our first SEA 500 aircraft refuelling truck complete with an SEA-Drive 120-35 fully electric power system, we have opened up an entirely new application that helps set the standard for environmental credentials.”

“Refuel International is very proud to have developed Australia's first all-electric aviation refueller in partnership with Air bp and SEA. Refuel International has been Air bp's builder of choice in Australia for over 20 years and this relationship has led to this significant achievement. This refueller delivers to the aircraft with zero fuel consumed and zero tail pipe emissions while meeting the requisite levels of safety and regulatory compliance,” says general manager Geoff Pinner.

This builds on Air bp's experience in launching the world's first electric refueller in 2002 at Long Beach, California and its introduction of the first generation of electric hydrant dispensers at Brisbane airport in 2005; which are still in operation at Darwin and Perth airports.

It reinforces Air bp's commitment to its carbon reduction plan, including global carbon neutral accreditation for refuelling activities across its operated sites, and is also proudly certified under the Australian Government's Climate Active programme.

Over time, it is Air bp's intention to introduce the refueller at other Air bp operated sites.