Australian freight company Toll Group says it has added another battery electric truck to its fleet, this time a Volvo FE Electric 4×2 rigid truck to support LPG deliveries for Australia’s largest energy retailer Origin Energy.
The addition of another battery electric truck to Toll’s fleet is part of the group’s $67 million investment in battery electric heavy vehicles and charging infrastructure which was co-funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) under the Lead the Nation program.
The new Volvo FE Electric 4×2 rigid truck has been specifically designed for urban delivery as well as the unique requirements inherent in LPG cylinder distribution.
With a range of 200-275 kilometers thanks to a battery capacity of 280-375 kilowatt-hours (kilowatt-hours), depending on the number of batteries included (3 or 4), the FE Electric can also reach a full charge in 2.3 hours with 150-kilowatt (kilowatt) fast charging.
Two electric motors provide up to 225 kilowatts of continuous power, equivalent to 300 horsepower, and manage a total weight of up to 27 tons.
“This project shows that heavy-duty electric vehicles are not just a concept, but a practical solution for complex supply chains,” said Michael Roegendijk, Head of Resources and Industrials at Toll.
“Our partnership with Origin Energy highlights how collaboration can accelerate the transition to clean logistics.”
The Volvo FE electric rigid truck has already entered operations in Greater Brisbane, delivering LPG cylinders between Origin facilities, as a trial of the technology.
“Our partnership with Toll has enabled us to develop this electric vehicle specifically designed to deliver LPG cylinders,” said Amber Fennell, Managing Director of Origin LPG.
“This project has been in development for over a year as part of our ten-year strategic partnership. Based on the success of this trial, we are excited about the potential for electric vehicles to transform our LPG operations in the future.”
In mid-October, Toll added two Volvo FMe Electric 6×4 Prime Movers to its fleet to support BlueScope Steel with its shipping and storage capabilities.
This was followed at the end of the month by the introduction of 12 new Volvo FE Battery solid-electric batteries which will replace the diesel vehicles used for global drinks giant Coca-Cola Europeacific Partners’ national delivery network.
Two weeks later, Toll also delivered two new Volvo FM battery electric motors to supermarket giant Coles in Perth.
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.
