Janus Electric Partners with EVUNI to Launch Drivetrain Technology Across Africa
Janus Electric (ASX: JNS) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Singapore-based EVUNI for a strategic collaboration that includes a $5 million equity investment and the exclusive distribution of its technology across Africa.
The agreement paves the way for Janus to allocate a minimum of 250 electric drivetrain conversion modules per year to the region over a five-year term, with an option to renew for a further five years.
It also represents a major milestone in Janus’ international expansion strategy as it seeks to commercialise its battery swap and heavy vehicle electrification platform outside Australia.
Strategic Collaboration
The MOU grants EVUNI exclusive rights to distribute Janus’ patented electric drivetrain and battery exchange systems across Africa.
Janus will provide the technology platform, including conversion modules, fleet management software, and swap station infrastructure, while EVUNI will fund and implement local rollouts.
Both companies will adapt the systems to regional requirements, pursue government support, and target adoption in mining and logistics fleets, where demand for electrification is increasing.
The agreement is for a total principal investment of up to $5m – with EVUNI acquiring up to 25 million ordinary shares in Janus at $0.20 per share – via two tranches: $3.5m upon signing a binding distribution and licence agreement, followed by $1.5m once Janus has delivered the first conversion modules to Africa.
The staged approach links capital deployment directly to project execution milestones, reinforcing both parties’ commitment to delivery.
African Market Opportunity
EVUNI is focused on electro mobility and fleet management projects in Sub-Saharan Africa, including the International Minerals Exchange Hub, which aims to connect manganese producers in the Kalahari to the deep-water port of Ngqura.
Janus said its technology’s ability to recharge trucks in under five minutes using battery swap systems was particularly suited to the operational needs of Africa’s mining and logistics operators.
The MOU represents “a major milestone in Janus’ international validation,” according to chief executive officer Ian Campbell, that supports the company’s long-term growth strategy and would both strengthen the company’s balance sheet and accelerate delivery of its next phase of growth.
“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,” he said.
EVUNI Perspective
EVUNI chief executive officer Hans de Villiers said Janus’ platform was “transformative for the heavy-duty transportation industry” and would help decarbonise fleet operations in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The company has already partnered with regional construction and mining services firms to support fleet conversion, providing immediate channels for deployment.
Janus has committed to allocate a minimum of 250 drivetrain conversion modules annually to EVUNI for five years, and expects to finalise the delivery schedule following the execution of binding agreements, with the first order fulfilment within 12 months.
The contract also includes an option to renew for an additional five years, subject to mutual agreement, potentially extending the collaboration to a decade.
Long-Form Agreements
The next phase of the partnership involves finalising long-form agreements, with management anticipating it would complete the distribution and licence contract by the end of September 2025.
Janus will then begin adapting its platform for African fleet requirements, with engineering teams focusing on local regulatory compliance and operating conditions.
EVUNI will be responsible for confirming annual purchase orders and establishing the infrastructure required to support battery swap operations across its network.
Janus has positioned the MOU alongside earlier commercial traction, including a two-truck order from US fleet operator Ability Tri-Modal, saying that these international partnerships validated its model of electrifying existing trucks through retrofit modules rather than requiring operators to purchase entirely new fleets.
Management added that Africa’s combination of mineral wealth and transport intensity created a natural entry point for the rollout of scalable electrification solutions.