Team Global Express (TGE) cut the official ribbon on its electric vehicle fleet trial before a VIP gathering at its “depot of the future” in Bungarribee, Sydney, today.
The “ground-breaking trial”, in partnership with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), sees TGE replace a third of its Western Sydney fleet with a total of 60 electric trucks to deliver parcels to customers around the metropolitan Sydney area.
To date, 43 out of the 60 ordered trucks have arrived at the depot which will roll out across the streets of Western Sydney.
TGE will receive 36 Volvo eFLs and 24 Daimler Fuso eCanters in total to facilitate the five-year trial.
Over the last 12 months, TGE has been busy transforming its Bungarribee facility into what it’s calling “The Depot of the Future” to house the infrastructure required to service the electric vehicles.
The depot upgrade includes the construction of charging infrastructure and a battery storage system, which utilises 400kW of solar energy from on-site panels.
The installed 1MW battery energy storage system will enhance the depot’s renewable power capacity and reduce the company’s reliance on grid power. TGE was able to save $7300 of energy costs in the first hour of the BESS system being turned on.
TGE Group CEO Christine Holgate said transport accounts for 19 per cent of all emissions in Australia and this trial represents an important step towards addressing the emissions intensity of the sector:
“Team Global Express is proud to roll out an electric vehicle trial of this scale and support our industry and country’s renewable energy transition ambitions,” Holgate told launch attendees.
“As part of our partnership with ARENA, we will be sharing the knowledge we gain from the trial with other industry providers to benefit the entire sector.
“At the time of placing our order with Volvo, we held the record for the largest order of medium-duty electric vehicles the company had received globally. We are thrilled that these trucks are on Sydney roads delivering parcels directly to residential and commercial customers.”
TGE director of ESG, Heather Bone, said that Western Sydney was chosen for its strategic location to urban distribution areas, allowing for the trucks to increase their own energy via regenerative braking.
“Bungarribee now houses advanced charging infrastructure fuelled by solar energy, enabling our new trucks to be recharged and back on the streets in as little as two hours if required.”
TGE team members based at Bungarribee have also undertaken specialised electric vehicle training.
“We’ve also used this trial as an opportunity to upskill a number of our female employees and support them in getting their heavy vehicle driving licences; so they too can enjoy driving our new electric trucks.”
TGE said the benefits of the electric truck fleet will extend to local communities through reduced vehicle noise and improved urban air quality.
Additionally, TGE said its drivers will benefit from improved safety conditions through lower noise and vibrations and the general safety benefits of a new fleet equipped with the latest technology, sensors and telematics.
“It is a privilege to witness projects such as this come to life around the globe and I’m very happy to be here in person to see this site in operation,” added Volvo’s Global CEO, Martin Lundstedt at the launch.
“Partnerships like the one we have with Team Global Express are vital as the world continues on its zero emissions journey.”