Melbourne-based logistics company Toll Group said it has delivered two new Volvo FM battery-powered electric motors to supermarket giant Coles in Perth.
Toll has unveiled the two new Volvo FM battery electric prime movers to the Coles Kewdale distribution center in Perth, marking what the company described as a “key milestone” for Toll and Coles towards building a more sustainable grocery delivery network.
The two new battery-electric flagships will replace traditional diesel-powered trucks and are expected to cut nearly 100 tonnes of CO2 emissions per vehicle each year as they make up to 52 deliveries to Coles stores across Perth each week.
Each truck features a range of up to 270 kilometers on a single charge as well as quieter operations, a feature that is often not recognized by drivers.
A dedicated 180 kilowatt charging station has also been installed at the Kewdale Distribution Centre.
“Our commitment to a more sustainable logistics future is not possible without the support of our key customers,” said Nick Frkowski, Toll’s President, Retail & Consumer.
The delivery of the battery electric trucks to Coles is part of Toll’s larger $67 million investment in battery electric heavy vehicles and charging infrastructure which was co-funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) through its Lead the Nation programme.
Financial support from ARENA was announced in late 2024 and promised the deployment of 18 Volvo electric prime movers and 10 Volvo electric rigid trucks, as well as charging infrastructure for 30 charging ports.
Toll recently supplied a Volvo FM battery electric motor to Primary Connect, part of the Woolworths Group, which will operate from the company’s Moorebank distribution center in New South Wales.
Last month, Toll revealed two new Volvo FMe Electric 6×4 Prime Movers were introduced into the company’s supply chain fleet to support customer BlueScope Steel with its shipping and storage capabilities.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology and electric cars for more than 15 years. He’s been reporting on electric cars and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His favorite mode of transportation is his feet.
