Janus Electric Has Begun Retrofitting Diesel Trucks
Owners of heavy transport vehicles can now swap diesel engines for electric drivetrains during routine maintenance.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Janus Electric has introduced a program to convert diesel prime movers into electric vehicles using swappable battery packs during scheduled engine rebuilds. This retrofit model is now expanding globally, with 126 orders already placed in North America.
Why it matters
The conversion allows operators to bypass the long charging times and heavy weight penalties of traditional integrated batteries. By switching to electric power during standard maintenance cycles, companies can potentially halve their operational fuel costs.
The conversion process costs approximately $150,000 per truck, which is designed to fit into the standard engine replacement cycle occurring every 5 years. This is a practical shift for the 80% of Australian freight that travels less than 168 miles per day.
The players
Janus Electric
An automotive engineering firm that specializes in retrofitting heavy-duty diesel transport vehicles with modular electric battery systems.
The details
Janus Electric removes the traditional diesel engine during a scheduled maintenance interval and replaces it with a modular electric drivetrain. The system is paired with a network of swap hubs where drivers exchange depleted battery modules for fully charged ones. This eliminates the need for vehicles to remain stationary for long charging sessions while extending the 20-year operational life of the prime mover.
Timeline
Every 5 years is the standard maintenance interval for diesel prime mover engines.
20 years represents the typical operational lifespan of a prime mover.
The Home Front
This development follows the broader trend of heavy-duty vehicle electrification as companies seek ways to lower operational costs without sacrificing long-term asset value. It suggests a shift toward modularity in commercial logistics to avoid the limitations of permanent, large-scale batteries.
Commercial transport operators should review their engine maintenance schedule to determine if a retrofit aligns with their five-year replacement cycle. Companies should calculate their average daily mileage to assess whether the electric conversion provides a favorable return on investment.
The takeaway
The modular conversion model offers a pathway for extending the life of heavy equipment while reducing ongoing fuel expenses. Business owners should keep records of engine maintenance intervals to effectively evaluate the timing for future electrification upgrades.
Further reading
Learn more about the current state of technology in the Electric Vehicles section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Cool Down.
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