LOGISTICS giant Linfox is rolling out a fleet of heavy-duty electric trucks across Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide reducing diesel use, emissions and running costs on key freight routes.
The company is putting the first of 26 battery-powered prime movers into service on heavy-hauling duties, including food and beverage distribution and integrated rail transport.
The trucks are to cover about 500km a day, replacing diesel trucks on existing freight routes from Linfox’s hubs in Laverton North, and then from Willawong and the Adelaide rail freight terminal once deployed.
The Australian government’s funding of this project is said to aimed at helping overcome barriers to the adoption of electric trucks at scale.
By demonstrating new technologies, application and business models, this grant from the Australian government’s Driving the Nation program is to accelerate the uptake of BEVs.
Energy minister Chris Bowen said the new electric truck fleet would help cut diesel bills, lower transport emissions and prove heavy haulage had a strong electric future.
“This investment in electric trucks, fast chargers and onsite solar systems could deliver the biggest cut to Linfox’s fuel use, emissions and running costs in its seven-decade history," Mr Bowen said.
“While governments across Australia continue to secure Australia’s supply of diesel and exhaust fluid, Linfox has taken a huge step to secure its energy security and consistently low running costs – today and for decades to come.”
Infrastructure and transport minister Catherine King welcomed Linfox’s investment.
“Freight is the backbone of the Australian economy, but it has historically been heavily exposed to global fuel markets.
“Getting trucks on the road that are powered by electricity will ensure costs are more consistent for consumers and make our supply chains more resilient,” Ms King said.
Local MP Tim Watts said this investment meant cleaner air and quieter streets for Melbourne’s west.
“Anyone who lives near a busy freight route knows the noise. Electric trucks are significantly quieter, and that's a real quality-of-life win for our community in Melbourne’s west,” Mr Watts said.
Linfox’s heavy truck electrification project is backed by $19.63 million from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) via its Driving the Nation Program.
This announcement is said to be in addition to $70 million to help more drivers drive Volvo heavy EVs and support skilled jobs in Volvo’s truck manufacturing plant in Queensland, via the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC).