Australian supply chain company Linfox Logistics has introduced the first electric truck for Coles.
Linfox and Coles say the electric vehicle is an important step towards its shared sustainability goals, highlighted by Linfox’s ‘Act Sustainably’ strategic promise and Coles’ ‘Together to Zero’ strategy.
The Fuso eCanter is servicing several Coles stores in New South Wales, loading products from the Eastern Creek Distribution Centre for delivery to Coles supermarkets and new format Coles Local stores.
Based on anticipated usage, at least 60 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (CO2-e) will be avoided annually with this vehicle compared to the same size Euro 6 diesel powered truck.
The emission-free Fuso eCanter is powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity.
"As a leading logistics provider that has traditionally relied on fossil fuels to transport goods, Linfox has made a commitment to find alternative sources of energy to power our customers’ supply chains," says Executive Chairman Linfox Pty Ltd, Peter Fox.
"Working in partnership with a trusted Australian retailer such as Coles, that connects customers with products from thousands of farmers and suppliers, is where the switch to electric vehicles can make the biggest difference."
David Clark, Coles Head of Transport Safety & Sustainability – Supply Chain, says Coles sought supplier partners who aligned with its sustainability values, and noted Linfox was a natural fit for the electric truck project.
"We are proud to be working with Linfox Logistics to deliver Coles’ first electric truck. We are excited to see how electric truck technology evolves and are eager to continue working with Linfox to discover ways to reduce emissions in our supply chain through alternate fuel technologies."
Daimler Truck and Bus Australia Pacific President and CEO, Daniel Whitehead, welcomed the addition of the Fuso eCanter to the Linfox Coles fleet.
"Linfox and Coles have long relied on the regular Fuso Canter to deliver for Australians, and we know they will love the pioneering electric eCanter technology," he says.
"We are excited that these two iconic Australian companies have chosen the Fuso eCanter to help them move towards a zero emissions future," Mr Whitehead concluded.
Linfox will use findings from this trial and its other electric vehicle trials to better understand how further scalable solutions can be integrated across the distribution network in Australia to keep Coles stores stocked with essential goods in a sustainable way.
Linfox now has six electric vehicles in operation for major customers.
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