Revolutionising the Dairy Industry
Fuel prices are always on the move, and with sustainability becoming a bigger priority across industries, the need for smarter, greener solutions has never been more urgent. With an innovative electric solution, Newspec is changing the game for milk tanker operations, offering a future where efficiency, cost savings, and sustainability all work together. Leading the way to a cleaner, more efficient future.
From Fuel Crisis to Groundbreaking Technology
In 2017-2018, industries relying on heavy transport were hit hard by skyrocketing fuel costs. For Jeff Naish, a technician with expertise in vehicle technology, it was clear that there had to be a better way. The question was simple: Could milk tankers operate more efficiently without burning diesel? As battery and EV technologies rapidly advanced, Jeff saw an opportunity to rethink the traditional fuel-driven system and began exploring the potential for an electric power take-off (ePTO) system.
The Vision: Electrifying Milk Transport
During his time working in the field, Jeff saw firsthand how long milk tankers idled during collection, wasting fuel and creating unnecessary emissions. This inefficiency needed to be addressed—and the solution lay in electrification. With lithium battery technology making strides, Jeff’s vision was clear: to develop an ePTO system that would power the milk collection process without relying on diesel.
Creating an electric system that could provide the hydraulic pressure needed for milk collection while being energy-efficient and self-sustaining was no easy feat. But after years of research, development, and collaboration with industry leaders, Newspec created a solution that captured energy while the truck moved, eliminating the need for idling diesel engines. Unlike other electric PTOs that rely on external charging, Newspec’s system is entirely self-sufficient, making it a truly groundbreaking development for the dairy industry.
Prototyping Success: A Future-Proof System
The first prototype, launched in 2019, didn’t quite hit the mark—but failure was part of the innovation journey. By 2022, after refining the design and collaborating with industry partners, the second prototype was rolled out with Hilton Haulage. The results were impressive: within just weeks, fuel savings of up to 50% were achieved, and the system also helped reduce emissions. These results not only validated years of R&D but also aligned with the dairy sector’s growing focus on sustainability.
From Concept to Commercialisation: A Bright Future Ahead
Thanks to the success of the pilot with Hilton Haulage, Newspec is now expanding the electric PTO system into a broader trial. With approximately 700 milk tankers operating across New Zealand, the potential for impact is enormous. The technology’s return on investment is already clear, with significant fuel savings and reduced environmental impact. At an estimated cost of $50,000 per unit, the numbers speak for themselves.
Expanding Beyond Dairy: A Versatile Solution
Although Newspec’s focus began in the dairy sector, the technology’s applications extend far beyond just milk transport. The company is already in discussions to bring electric PTOs to other industries, such as electrical line work and container transport. This is just the beginning—Newspec is primed to revolutionise multiple sectors with their innovative, sustainable solution.
Facing the Challenges: Competing with Emerging Technology
As with any breakthrough, competition is starting to surface, with both New Zealand and Australian companies developing similar systems. However, Newspec has a strong head start, thanks to real-world implementation and a robust partnership network that ensures their leadership in the market.
A New Era for Dairy and Beyond: Leading the Sustainable Transport Revolution
What started as a response to rising fuel costs has evolved into a transformative industry solution. The Newspec electric PTO represents the future of sustainable transport. With New Zealand’s dairy industry leading the charge, the impact of this technology is set to extend far beyond milk transport, making waves across multiple industries.