Linfox expands electric truck fleet

As battery-powered passenger cars, SUVs and light commercial vehicles gain momentum in Australia, the heavy commercial sector is similarly pushing ahead with EV fleet deals that will see motorists sharing the highway with quiet, emissions-free trucks.

Among them, Australian logistics and supply chain giant Linfox has taken delivery of a Volvo FL Electric truck that will deliver fresh produce to Woolworths stores in metropolitan Melbourne.

This is the second Volvo FL Electric to hit the road in Australia and the first refrigerated model, with both part of the Linfox fleet under a pilot program.

Only 75 have been released globally.

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The Volvo FL Electric powertrain delivers 425Nm of torque to the rear wheels via a two-speed automated transmission. It has four batteries for a combined energy capacity of 200kWh, although future iterations will boost this to 265kWh.

The EV truck has a range of up to 200km and takes nine hours to fully recharge.

A charging station will be provided at Woolworths’ Melbourne Fresh Distribution Centre to enable the Volvo to be recharged while produce is loaded.

“We supply more than 1000 supermarkets across the country, and the ongoing development of heavy electric trucks represents an opportunity for us to drive positive change on Australia’s roads,” said Woolworths Group chief supply chain officer Chris Brooks.

“We will be watching the results of this trial closely with Linfox to understand how electric trucks can support our shift to a low carbon future in the years ahead.”

carsales understands that Volvo Australia has the capacity to build electric trucks at its plant in Wacol, Queensland, which could play a key role in building up the national EV fleet in the years ahead.