Per kilometre, he says the long haul Windrose electric truck, which he brought into the country for the first time last year and can travel around 600km fully loaded on one charge, costs around $1.20 per kilometre. A diesel truck costs around $2 per kilometre. If you're in the transport business, that's a big difference and a major productivity opportunity. And if you're in the business of reducing emissions, it's also a big difference.

Some businesses have been willing to go electric early and pay an environmental or early adopter premium, but that's no longer required. It's now just good business, and that's why everything from massive mining companies to public transport providers are increasingly choosing to invest in battery powered machinery.

When the economics stack up - and they are likely to when you look at the long-term costs, rather than the sticker price - that's when things start to change. But social proof is still important when it comes to increasing adoption of new technologies and we often need examples to create confidence. Linton and his team deserve credit for taking the risk, leading the way and providing machines that can do the job for less, provide a better experience for drivers and don't pump out toxic fumes.

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