Janus Electric Holdings Ltd has taken a decisive step in global expansion, signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Singapore-based EVUNI Pte Ltd to deploy its heavy-vehicle electrification technology across Africa’s logistics and mining corridors.
The agreement secures EVUNI exclusive rights for distribution and deployment of Janus’ drivetrain conversion systems in Africa, underpinned by a proposed AUS$5 million equity investment.
EVUNI to Invest AUS$5 Million in Janus Electric
Under the terms of the MOU, EVUNI will invest up to AUS$5 million in Janus through staged tranches tied to execution of binding agreements and delivery milestones. The deal will see EVUNI acquire as many as 25 million ordinary shares at AUS$0.20 per share, a valuation that signals confidence in Janus’ electrification model.
This injection of capital is designed to strengthen Janus’ balance sheet, enabling the company to scale manufacturing, streamline international deployment, and advance battery-swap infrastructure.
Heavy-Duty Transport Conversion: 250 Units Per Year
A central feature of the partnership is Janus’ commitment to allocate a minimum of 250 drivetrain conversion modules annually to EVUNI for the initial five-year term, with the option to extend for a further five years.
These drivetrain kits allow existing diesel-powered trucks and heavy-transport vehicles to be converted to electric propulsion—a strategy that reduces carbon intensity without forcing operators to replace entire fleets.
For African mining and logistics operators, the economics could be transformative: lower fuel costs, reduced maintenance, and compliance with tightening environmental regulations.
Unlocking Africa’s Mining and Logistics Corridors
Africa’s transport backbone—spanning mining corridors in countries such as South Africa, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo—relies heavily on diesel-powered heavy trucks. Electrification of this sector has lagged passenger EV adoption due to infrastructure gaps and the high upfront costs of fleet renewal.
By combining Janus’ conversion technology with EVUNI’s regional presence, the partnership aims to accelerate adoption of electric drivetrains where it matters most: in mining haulage, cross-border logistics, and port-to-mine transport chains.
The model echoes Janus’ domestic strategy in Australia, where it has piloted battery-swap stations to support long-haul trucking. Earlier Skillings coverage of battery metals demand highlights how mining regions are seeking electrification solutions to reduce diesel dependency and scope 1 emissions.
Industry Validation: U.S. Orders Add Momentum
The MOU follows Janus’ recent win in the U.S., where Ability Tri-Modal, a fleet operator, placed orders for two converted trucks. Though modest in number, the U.S. order is viewed as a validation step, showing that global fleet operators are willing to trial Janus’ approach.
For Janus CEO Ian Campbell, the African expansion is a milestone:
“This partnership with EVUNI represents a major milestone in our international validation. By combining our technology with EVUNI’s regional expertise, we are well positioned to deliver sustainable, scalable electrification solutions for Africa’s heavy transport sector. The proposed AUS$5 million investment from EVUNI will strengthen our balance sheet and support the next phase of growth.”
Skillings Analysis
- Strategic timing: Africa’s mining sector is under pressure to decarbonize while cutting costs. Janus’ drivetrain retrofits hit both targets, creating an entry point in a market with millions of diesel trucks in service.
- Capital-light expansion: By leveraging EVUNI’s capital and regional networks, Janus avoids the heavy upfront cost of building infrastructure alone.
- Risks: Execution will hinge on supply chain reliability and the pace of battery infrastructure rollout. Without sufficient charging or swap networks, adoption risks stall.
Outlook
If executed successfully, the EVUNI-Janus partnership could make Africa a proving ground for retrofit-based heavy transport electrification. The first 250 units are expected to roll out within the five-year contract period, potentially ramping higher as logistics and mining firms trial the technology.
With mining majors and African regulators tightening emissions expectations, Janus’ expansion signals not just international growth but a wider industry shift. The coming quarters will reveal whether retrofit electrification can scale fast enough to capture the Christmas-cycle procurement budgets of mining contractors and logistics operators.
