Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was guest of honour at Volvo HQ in Brisbane today to watch the first Australian-made electric trucks roll off the Wacol production line.
Volvo Group Australia said the trucks, destined for the Linfox yard, are the first electrics manufactured in Australia by an OEM, and a milestone for the nation’s manufacturing capability, workforce and the future of zero-tailpipe emissions transport.
“This is a proud day for Volvo Trucks and for Australian manufacturing,” said Martin Merrick, President and CEO, Volvo Group Australia (VGA).
“For more than 50 years we have built Volvo trucks for Australian conditions here in Wacol, and today we have built the first electric truck ever manufactured by an OEM in this country.
“It proves what our people and our facilities are capable of. These trucks were built right here by an Australian team we have trained to a global standard. This is proof of concept, and a foundation we are ready to build on.”
Roger Alm, Executive Vice President of Volvo Group and President of Volvo Trucks, said Australia is an important market for Volvo Trucks, and building electric trucks here is a clear sign of our long-term commitment.
“It reflects Volvo Group’s confidence in Australian manufacturing and in the people behind it,” said Alm, who was also on site for the celebrations.
“We are convinced that electric trucks will play a key role in the future of transport. Producing them in Australia will help drive the sustainability transformation, while bringing us even closer to our customers and their needs.”
The federal government said it had invested $70 million with Volvo Group Australia through the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC).
The investment will see electrification of the nation’s trucking fleet by providing discounted finance for trucking businesses and supporting the long-term residual value of electric trucks, said a joint media release from Albanese and Energy Minister Chris Bowen.
“My government is backing a future made in Australia – investing in local jobs, manufacturing and industry,” the prime minister said.
“We have all the resources to be a clean energy superpower – under the ground and in the sky – and projects like this show just what’s possible.
“Electric-made trucks built right here in Brisbane will keep Australia moving now and into the future.”
Linfox announced last month that it was rolling out a fleet of 26 heavy-duty Volvo electric trucks across Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide on some of the country’s busiest urban freight routes.
Linfox said it is putting the first of its battery-powered FM prime movers into service on heavy-hauling duties, including food and beverage distribution and integrated rail transport.