Coles has become the country’s first retailer to add an electric prime mover to its transport network – a Volvo FH – for the delivery of groceries to hundreds of stores across Victoria.
In partnership with Linfox, the electric prime mover is expected to save more than 65 tonnes of carbon emissions a year compared to a regular diesel-powered prime mover.
Coles anticipates the truck will make up to 25 deliveries from the Coles Distribution Centre in Victoria to stores across the state each week
The Volvo FH has a range of up to 300km on a single charge. Based on an estimated travel distance of 90,000km a year, it could save up to 25,000 litres of fuel per annum.
In addition to fuel and emission reductions, Coles says the electric Volvo FH is quieter to run, reducing noise during store deliveries for customers in residential areas. It also requires no idling, eliminating further emissions and fuel consumption.
Coles chief operations and sustainability officer Matt Swindells says the company has been working to reduce its emissions.
“We’re excited to welcome our first EV prime mover to our network which is currently doing about 25 deliveries from our distribution centre in Victoria each week to hundreds of stores across the state,” said Matt.
“Linfox has been an early adopter of EV transport technology, and we’re pleased to be partnering with them to lower emissions on our roads, as well as in our supply chain, and contribute to driving change in the industry.”
Linfox CEO Australia and New Zealand Mark Mazurek added, “Linfox is proud to work with Coles to reduce our carbon footprint. Without their commitment to sustainability and adaptability, this wouldn’t be possible,” said Mark.
“This fully electric prime mover is charged on site and is at the forefront of automotive technology. Over the past two years we’ve worked with Coles, government and agencies to bring it to our roads, and we’re proud to be leading the industry towards a more sustainable future.”
To help further reduce emissions in its supply chain, the retailer’s first electric Coles Online delivery van is currently running deliveries in Queensland as part of a trial. An EV heavy rigid truck is also delivering groceries to stores out of its distribution centre in Sydney and ten electric refrigeration vans are taking part in a trial designed to reduce emissions and fuel usage.