Aussie electric vehicle company wins critical backing: Plans to build thousands of autonomous EVs

January 29, 2026January 28, 2026 EV Central team 624 Views 0 Comments Applied EV, Applied EV Blanc robot

A Melbourne-based manufacturer led by a former Holden engineer has secured significant federal backing as it works to commercialise an autonomous electric vehicle designed for industrial and logistics use.

Applied Electric Vehicles has closed a US$40 million (about A$58 million) Series B funding round, with $30.7 million of that coming from the Australian Government’s National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC).

The investment marks the fund’s first in the transport sector and is aimed at supporting local manufacturing capability and advanced technology development.

The funding round also includes participation from investment bank Barrenjoey and Japan Post Capital.

Applied EV says the capital will be used to manufacture, commercialise and scale deployment of its autonomous electric platform, known as the Blanc Robot, which is already being assembled at its Melbourne facility.

Around 100 sixth-generation Blanc Robot vehicles are currently built and ready for rollout. The vehicles use a modified version of the Suzuki Jimny ladder frame but are designed without a traditional cabin.

They use a flat, modular chassis that can be configured for a range of tasks.

Applied EV develops and builds the Level 4 autonomous digital backbone that controls the Blanc Robot in Melbourne.

The Blanc Robot is powered by two e-motors (one on each axle to provide all-wheel drive) producing 140kW and a 51kWh battery pack. It has a range of up to 400km and a payload up to 1500kg.

Current and potential use cases include inter-factory logistics, warehouse operations, mining site duties such as dust suppression, and last-mile delivery applications.

Chief executive and co-founder Julian Broadbent said the backing from the National Reconstruction Fund accelerates the company’s plans to deploy the vehicles at scale.

“This strategic investment from the NRF accelerates our mission to scale autonomous mobility solutions globally and validates the vision behind our technology,” Broadbent said.

He said the company aims to place thousands of vehicles into service over the next three to five years.

Japan Post Capital’s involvement is significant as both an investor and early customer, potentially providing a pathway into large-scale delivery operations.

Applied EV has also indicated discussions with other major logistics operators, including possible applications in airport environments.

The company says it has been profitable for the past three years under a lease and licence business model and expects to expand its workforce as production and deployment increases.

Applied EV currently employs about 113 staff and expects the latest funding to support existing roles while creating up to 25 additional skilled trade, technical and commercial positions in Melbourne.

Applied EV’s proprietary control systems, developed and integrated in Australia, connect standard vehicle platforms supplied by partners to autonomous operational software.

The system is designed to meet global safety standards for autonomous operation in industrial settings and is positioned as a solution for sectors facing labour shortages and rising demand for automation.

NRFC chief executive David Gall said the investment aligned with the organisation’s mandate to support Australian innovation and advanced manufacturing.

“This investment supports the commercialisation of a distinctive Australian technology and the creation of high-skill manufacturing and support jobs,” Gall said.

The NRFC said its support for Applied EV reflects its role in backing priority sectors of the economy as part of Australia’s broader energy and technology transition.