VOLVO Vans Australia has delivered its first all-electric truck Down Below, to world logistics outfit Geodis.
A 6×2 FE Electrical truck will function between the Geodis headquarters in Matraville, Sydney, and Volvo Group Australia’s elements distribution centre 47 kilometres away in Minto.
The information comes as Volvo Group Australia gears as much as begin native manufacturing of its all-electric vehicles out of its Brisbane manufacturing facility in 2027.
In preparation for native manufacturing the truck maker has acquired Queensland state authorities permits for the trial of two battery-electric heavy-duty vehicles that exceed Australia’s 2.5-metre width restriction.
For the Geodis deal, Volvo Group Australia regional logistics purchaser Jennie Alfredsson recognized the elements supply route as a super match for an electrical FE mannequin, with calculated vitality necessities of 69kWh for the journey.
“This undertaking has been such an important instance of a number of stakeholders working collectively to take one more step in direction of decarbonising our trade one truck at a time,” stated Volvo Group Australia vp of rising expertise enterprise growth, Paul Illmer.
“As a transport purchaser, Jennie has recognised a chance to make a distinction in our logistics operations as seized it. And as a staff we’ve labored collectively to convey an answer to the desk.
“We’ve made no bones about our willpower to deal with the decarbonisation challenges alongside the way in which, whether or not that be sourcing inexperienced energy for our amenities, a photo voltaic undertaking utilising our personal constructing and factories or discovering alternatives reminiscent of this.
The FE Electrical is fitted with 4 batteries offering a complete capability of 266kWh, equating to a driving of 220km relying on the appliance.
Whereas the journey solely makes use of 69kWh of vitality, the truck is charged utilizing a 50kWh charger on the depot finish and takes simply over three hours to be charged from empty to 100 per cent.
A dual-motor driveline with mixed output of 225kW/850Nm, backed by a two-speed automated transmission, propels the electrical truck with its seven-tonne payload.
”Geodis is a low-carbon transport and logistics answer pioneer, and we frequently attempt to scale back our carbon footprint and restrict polluting emissions,” stated Geodis Pacific sub-regional managing director Stuart Asplet.
“We’re delighted to collaborate with Volvo on this path, since we all know that our future success shall be depending on sustainable partnerships reminiscent of this.”
Past rolling out smaller electrical vehicles, Volvo Group Australia will start manufacturing of heavier all-electric autos at its Brisbane manufacturing facility in 2027.
The big battery packs of Volvo’s trial autos, mounted the place conventional gasoline tanks can be, exceed the width limits by simply 2.5cm. The promise of native manufacturing provides weight behind a broader trade push for a rest of the present laws.
Peak trade physique, the Australian Trucking Affiliation, has referred to as on the federal authorities to extend present truck and trailer width restrictions calling the present restrict “out of step with worldwide markets”.
The just lately delivered Geodis FE Electrical truck meets present Australian Design Guidelines, however the bigger electrical prime movers from Volvo, Tesla and others hold within the steadiness because the trade pushes for regulatory change.