Janus Secures 3-Year Deal for Lithium-Ion Battery Packs with 14,000 Cycle Life

Strategic Partnership to Advance Heavy Vehicle Electrification

Janus Electric Holdings Limited (ASX:JNS) has taken a significant step forward in its mission to electrify heavy transport with a new commercial supply agreement with North American battery innovator Electrovaya Inc. This three-year deal will see Electrovaya develop customised lithium-ion battery packs tailored specifically for Janus’ patented swappable battery platform, a move that promises to enhance both the performance and scalability of Janus’ zero-emission solutions.

Electrovaya’s proprietary battery technology is known for its exceptional safety record, with zero battery-related incidents reported across its installed base. The partnership aims to leverage this proven safety alongside a remarkable increase in battery longevity, up to 14,000 cycles, potentially translating into a 20-year asset life. This is a substantial improvement over current battery packs, which typically last around 5,000 cycles or eight years.

Operational Benefits and Production Shift

Beyond longevity, the new battery packs will deliver a 12% boost in usable energy capacity, directly enhancing vehicle range and operational efficiency. Additionally, each battery pack will be approximately 500 kilograms lighter, allowing for increased payload capacity, an important factor for freight operators looking to maximise efficiency.

Janus will also cease its internal battery pack manufacturing, opting instead to rely on Electrovaya’s streamlined production processes and established quality assurance protocols. This shift is expected to reduce operational risks and remove bottlenecks, accelerating Janus’ ability to scale its Conversion, Battery, and Energy-as-a-Service model across Australia and North America.

Strategic Implications and Market Reach

Janus CEO Ian Campbell highlighted the strategic importance of this partnership, noting that it aligns with the company’s growth plans and customer needs. Access to Electrovaya’s extensive dealer and service network will facilitate rapid commercial deployment and dependable aftersales support, critical factors for fleet operators transitioning to electric heavy vehicles.

Janus COO and Founder Lex Forsyth emphasised the confidence the partnership brings, citing Electrovaya’s pedigree in supplying major global original equipment manufacturers. The collaboration will underpin the rollout of the new JB650 Battery platform, which promises to unlock zero-emissions heavy transport at scale along key freight corridors.

Agreement Details and Future Outlook

The agreement includes a research and development phase with Electrovaya providing engineering services to develop the customised battery pack. Janus will own the intellectual property related to the pack’s design and form factor, excluding the underlying lithium-ion cell technology. Pricing is fixed for the first 12 months, with an initial term of three years and automatic extensions thereafter.

While the deal marks a major milestone, details on the timing of prototype delivery and commercial rollout remain to be disclosed. Investors and industry watchers will be keen to monitor how swiftly Janus can leverage this partnership to expand its market footprint and deliver on its zero-emission heavy transport ambitions.