Tony Fairweather and the Rise of SEA Electric: A Journey of Innovation, Growth, and Global Impact
Tony Fairweather, born in 1971, is an Australian entrepreneur and mechanical engineer whose vision has transformed the commercial vehicle industry. He is best known as the founder of SEA Electric, the company behind the SEA Drive power system, which has helped accelerate the global shift to electric trucks. Fairweather’s journey reflects a balance of technical expertise, business leadership, and a long-term commitment to building sustainable solutions for transportation.
From a young age, he showed an interest in mechanics, which guided him to pursue a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering at Swinburne University of Technology. He graduated with Honors in 1994 and soon decided to expand his knowledge beyond engineering. In 1997, he completed a Master of Business in Enterprise Innovation at Swinburne, followed by an MBA in International Business in 1999. These studies provided him with the ability to link engineering knowledge with business vision, shaping the foundation for his career as both innovator and entrepreneur.
His first professional experience came at Coca-Cola Amatil, where he worked for five years. During this time, he gained practical insight into operations and technology efficiency within a large-scale corporate environment. This period encouraged his entrepreneurial spirit and built his understanding of business management. He later moved into management consulting while completing his MBA, which further strengthened his skills in strategic planning. He then joined TNT Express, now FedEx, where he was responsible for two businesses in Queensland. In that role, he gained experience in parcel delivery operations, industrial relations, human resources, and full profit and loss management. These experiences gave him direct knowledge of the transport sector, which later proved invaluable when he entered the commercial vehicle industry.
In 2006, Fairweather took a major step toward entrepreneurship by establishing Patico Automotive with his father. The company specialized in niche commercial vehicle brands in Australia and New Zealand. This venture expanded his understanding of automotive markets and laid the groundwork for his future focus on electric transport. His exposure to vehicle distribution and the demands of commercial fleets inspired him to explore alternatives to traditional fuel-powered engines.
In 2012, he founded SEA Electric in Melbourne with a clear mission to revolutionize the commercial vehicle industry through electric power systems. Over several years, he guided the design, testing, and development of what became the SEA Drive technology. By 2017, the company had launched its first all-electric commercial truck, marking an important milestone for both the business and the industry. Under Fairweather’s leadership, SEA Electric expanded quickly and began forming partnerships with original equipment manufacturers such as Mack and Hino Trucks. The company soon gained recognition for its innovation, winning the Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia Product Innovation Award in 2021 and the Green Car Journal Product of Excellence award in 2022.
The growth of SEA Electric was not only marked by awards but also by practical achievements. Its trucks achieved over three million miles in collective operational use, proving the reliability of the SEA Drive system. Models such as the SEA 300 EV, SEA 500 EV, and SEA M5 EV became known for their contribution to sustainable commercial transport. The company also secured important supply contracts in North America, which positioned it as a global competitor in the electric vehicle industry.
In April 2024, SEA Electric reached another turning point when it merged with Exro Technologies, a Canadian company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange that develops advanced electric power solutions. This merger created synergies between the two businesses, giving them a combined portfolio of about one hundred patents. Fairweather himself held eight patents under SEA Electric, and his role after the merger expanded as he joined the board of directors of Exro Technologies. The partnership strengthened his ability to influence the future of sustainable transport on a larger scale.
Alongside his responsibilities with Exro, Fairweather also founded the EV Advisory Group in 2024 and has served as its chief executive officer since then. The advisory firm reflects his determination to support the growth of electric vehicles across the industry by sharing his expertise and insights. In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, he has been a non-executive director at OldView since 2015, contributing to governance and leadership outside his own businesses.
Recognition of his impact has continued. In 2025, he was selected for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who, an international directory that acknowledges professionals for their accomplishments, visibility, and influence. This honor highlights the extent of his contributions to engineering, innovation, and business leadership.
Beyond his professional commitments, Fairweather is devoted to his family and community. He is married to Sarah and together they have two children, Charlotte and William. He values time outdoors, drawing inspiration from nature and travel, which strengthens his personal commitment to sustainability and his professional vision for environmentally friendly transport solutions. He is also active in community engagement, reflecting a belief that business success should be connected to giving back to society.
Tony Fairweather’s career demonstrates how engineering skill and entrepreneurial spirit can combine to create lasting global impact. His path from a young engineer with a passion for mechanics to an international leader in electric vehicles is marked by persistence, creativity, and a commitment to change. Through SEA Electric, he helped bring the idea of electric trucks into reality, and through the merger with Exro Technologies, he has ensured that innovation in this field will continue to expand. His story is not only about building a successful company but also about shaping the future of transportation toward a cleaner and more sustainable direction. With his continued leadership and vision, Tony Fairweather stands as one of the key figures driving progress in the global commercial vehicle industry.
