An Australian startup, Applied Electric Vehicles (Applied EV), has secured a significant $30.7 million investment from the Australian federal government to scale production of its autonomous electric vehicle platform. The funding, sourced from the $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC), underscores a strategic push to revitalize local manufacturing and secure Australia’s position in the rapidly evolving autonomous vehicle sector.
Autonomous Vehicles for Industrial Use
Applied EV specializes in developing autonomous, cab-less electric vehicles based on the Suzuki Jimny platform, dubbed the ‘Blanc Robot’. Unlike many self-driving car ventures focused on passenger transport, Applied EV targets industrial and logistical applications. This pragmatic approach—focusing on controlled environments like warehouses, ports, and mining sites—reduces the technological hurdles and regulatory delays that plague fully autonomous public road deployments. The company already has 20 vehicles deployed and is using the funding to produce another 100.
Leveraging Australian Engineering Talent
The project is led by Julian Broadbent, a former Holden engineer and designer, who brings extensive experience from both the Australian automotive industry and Silicon Valley startups. His team has developed a proprietary digital control system that allows autonomous operation under hazardous conditions, appealing to industries where human drivers face risks or labor shortages. This system is now in its sixth generation and is designed for integration into existing vehicle logistics chains.
Why It Matters: A Shift in Automotive Manufacturing
The investment reflects a broader trend of industrial automation and the declining role of traditional automotive manufacturing in Australia. Applied EV’s model capitalizes on this shift, utilizing Suzuki’s existing vehicle frames while developing the autonomous control systems locally. This approach avoids the cost and complexity of building entirely new vehicles from scratch.
“When traditional automotive manufacturing left Australia, we saw an opportunity, tapping into the wealth of local engineering talent and building something truly innovative from the ground up.”
— Julian Broadbent, Applied EV co-founder
Strategic Partnerships: Suzuki and Japan Post
Applied EV has secured critical partnerships that accelerate its growth. A 2021 agreement with Suzuki provides access to vehicle production, while investment from Japan Post opens the door for large-scale deployment in urban logistics. Japan Post’s fleet of 80,000 vehicles, operating in areas facing labor shortages, presents a real-world testing ground for the Blanc Robot platform.
The Bigger Picture: Autonomous Fleets
The company’s CEO, Mr Broadbent, highlights the inevitability of autonomous fleets, arguing that businesses must adapt or risk being left behind. Applied EV’s focus on industrial applications avoids the complex ethical and regulatory challenges of consumer-facing autonomous driving, allowing it to capitalize on immediate market demand. The project will also expand employment in data analytics, fleet management, and remote support.
This investment signals a strategic reorientation of Australian manufacturing toward high-tech, specialized industrial solutions. By focusing on autonomous electric vehicles for logistics, Applied EV not only creates jobs but also establishes Australia as a key player in the future of automated transport.
