Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) has placed the first Australian order for the Volvo FMX Electric, which will join its 500-strong truck fleet.
Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, Mark Ryan, was pleased to announce the news.
“QFES has a fleet of 500 heavy vehicles and the time is right to add electric trucks to the mix. I’m positive these vehicles will add tremendous value to the organisation, and I can’t wait to see them on the road,” he said.
“As well as reducing noise pollution and improving air quality, there’s also the financial benefit to Queensland taxpayers too, as electric trucks bring lower running costs.”
QFES has also ordered a Volvo FMX 6×4 prime mover with the latest 13-litre Euro 6 technology. This vehicle will operate alongside the fully electric model to assess the performance and emissions benefits of running on fossil-fuel-free Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) against diesel.
Martin Merrick, president of Volvo Group Australia commented, “Electric trucks will bring lower running costs and lower emissions while making our cities and urban environment a better place to live and work. We’re pleased to see QFES investing in its first order of safer and greener transport.
“No one can get to zero emissions on their own – we need to do it in partnership. Industry, government and other stakeholders all have a responsibility to work together to reduce emissions. Volvo is committed to partnering with Australian industry to decarbonise heavy transport. That’s evident in the world-leading electric trucks, technology and global experience we are making available to the Australian market,” he continued.
According to QFES acting commissioner, Mike Wassing, the logistics fleet was identified as the best place to trial the electric technology.
“That fleet has a pivotal part to play in QFES, ensuring operational crews are fully supported in a timely manner when undertaking critical logistics delivery runs,” he said.
“This a momentous occasion and a tremendous opportunity for QFES and the firefighters who can utilise these state-of-the-art vehicles.”
The vehicles being acquired by QFES will be used to measure the benefits of both fully electric heavy vehicles and the application of alternative fuels such as HVO to vehicles with the latest EURO 6 diesel engine technology, as they are operated within the QFES environment.
Both Volvo vehicles will operate under QFES command and provide operational logistics across Queensland regions. End-user feedback and real-time operational performance will be monitored with the support of Volvo Connect telematics.