Janus Electric Holdings Ltd, an Australian pioneer in the electrification of heavy road transport, has announced the signing of a MOU with EVUNI, it says marking a significant step in advancing the company’s international expansion strategy for the electrification of heavy transport.
Janus Electric CEO Ian Campbell commented: “This partnership with EVUNI represents a major milestone in our international validation, alongside the demand from US fleet company Ability Tri-Modal’s two truck order, supporting our long-term growth strategy. 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 $5 million investment from EVUNI will strengthen our balance sheet and support the next phase of growth. We look forward to progressing this collaboration and delivering value to our shareholders.”
The MOU establishes a strategic collaboration between Janus and EVUNI to accelerate the deployment of Janus’ patented electric drivetrain technology and battery swap systems in Africa. Janus will provide its proven technology platform – including conversion modules, battery exchange infrastructure, and proprietary fleet management software – while EVUNI will act as the exclusive licensee and distributor for the African region, responsible for funding the rollout and establishing local operational capabilities.
The MOU aligns with Janus’ strategy to scale its Battery and Energy as a Service business model and further it says validates the rapidly evolving electrification themes internationally, demonstrating growing demand for its technology in emerging markets.
Under the terms of the MOU, Janus will allocate a minimum of 250 electric drivetrain conversion modules per year to EVUNI for the duration of the initial five-year contract term, with an option to renew for a further five years. The collaboration with EVUNI opens access to significant new opportunities in the African logistics and mining sectors, leveraging both parties’ expertise and networks. Both parties will collaborate to adapt the technology for local requirements, secure necessary regulatory approvals, and pursue relevant government grants and incentives. The MOU also outlines the framework for future binding agreements, including detailed commercial terms and service arrangements, to be finalised in subsequent documentation.
The agreement contemplates a principal investment by EVUNI of up to A$5 million in Janus Electric, structured in tranches linked to the execution of a binding Distribution and Licence Agreement and the delivery of technology to the region. EVUNI will acquire up to 25,000,000 Ordinary Shares in Janus Electric at a price of A$0.20 per share, representing a total principal investment of up to A$5,000,000.
Headquartered in Singapore, EVUNI is a pioneering investment firm focused on electro mobility and fleet management principally in the Sub-Sahara region, with projects that include the International Minerals Exchange Hub (IMX Hub) that will provide electrification between the Kalahari Manganese Field that holds 80% of global manganese reserves and the deep-water port of Ngqura.
The solution will be powered by Infinite Power’s zero carbon electricity production that includes electro-fuel stations and an Electro Modular Truck (EMT) conversion solution for fleet owners with a Battery-as-a-Service (BAAS) model.
EVUNI’s solutions include a partnership with Rondebult Construction, to electrify their solutions offering including the conversion of mining trucks. EVUNI is 50% owned by Pronexus, a Venture Investment company that provided US$12 million through investment and finance and will establish a green-bond structure for project finance.
EVUNI’s CEO Hans de Villiers commented: “Janus Electric’s technology is transformative for the heavy-duty transportation industry. With electro refuelling in under five minutes, powered by Infinite Power’s, zero carbon, zero waste, baseload energy, it will transform the transportation industry within sub-Saharan Africa.”
The next phase will involve negotiation and execution of definitive long-form agreements, with management expecting to finalise the Distribution and Licence Agreement by the end of September 2025. The initial investment tranche of A$3.5 million by EVUNI will be triggered upon execution of the agreement, with subsequent investment linked to delivery milestones. Notably, the second investment tranche of AUD $1.5 million will be triggered upon the first delivery of Janus Conversion Modules to the African region.
Once the agreement is executed and the initial investment received, Janus will commence engineering adaptation of its technology for local requirements. EVUNI will confirm annual orders for the minimum allocation of 250 conversion modules with delivery scheduled within the following 12 months. The contract will have an initial term of five years, with an option to renew for a further five years unless cancelled by mutual agreement. Binding commitments will be subject to the finalisation of these agreements.
