Australia Post has unveiled the first heavy-duty electric truck to join its national fleet.
The new Mercedes-Benz eActros, manufactured by Daimler Truck, produces zero tailpipe emissions, offers advanced safety features and delivers a quieter, more efficient driving experience suited to urban and regional freight routes, Australia Post said.
Australia Post General Manager Network Assets and Implementation, Mitch Buxton, said the eActros is an important step in understanding how large electric vehicles can integrate into the organisation’s operations.
“Trialling the eActros will give us valuable insights into how heavy-duty electric vehicles can perform across our network. We’ve been investing in electric delivery vehicles for more than a decade, and this is the next step in building a cleaner, smarter and more resilient fleet for the future,” Buxton said.
“Introducing electric trucks is not without its challenges, from charging infrastructure to range and load capacity – but it’s a challenge we are excited to take on.”
Coinciding with this launch, Australia Post has also partnered with Ampol to supply 5 million litres of Amplify Diesel R10, consisting of a 10 per cent blend of renewable diesel, to its Redbank Parcel Facility in Brisbane.
The renewable diesel will be used in the site’s existing truck fleet of 89 vehicles over the next year, reducing lifecycle emissions without requiring engine modifications.
Together, Australia Post said the two initiatives reflect its multi-solution approach to reducing emissions across its fleets, evolving in step with advances in technology and cleaner energy solutions.
“We know there’s no single path to decarbonising a fleet of our size and scale. That’s why we’re exploring a range of cleaner alternatives, from electric vehicles to renewable diesel to find the best mix to support the size of our operations. Each step helps us learn, adapt and keep driving on our path to target net zero emissions by 2050,” added Buxton.