Western Australia has welcomed the state’s first fully electric OEM heavy duty truck – a Volvo FM Electric – which has been delivered to mine site demolition and scrap metal company CD Dodd.
The delivery was made in October 2024 when Stephen Price MLA and industry icon Max Winkless handed the keys over to the company.
The Volvo FM Electric truck has a range of 300 kilometres and can carry 50 tonnes (GCW) while producing up to 490Kw of power.
CEO of CD Dodd Chris Dodd says the opportunity to champion electric trucks in the state’s mining sector aligns with the company’s values.
“We champion technologies that enhance safety, efficiency and sustainability,” Dodd says.
“The Volvo FM Electric will be a vital part of our operations, and our drivers can’t wait to get behind the wheel.”
The announcement comes soon after the delivery of Australia’s first electric prime mover – a Volvo FH Electric – to Coles, which has partnered with Linfox in operation of the vehicle.
Next year will mark 60 years since Winkless first introduced Volvo trucks into the Australian market, and with the manufacturer’s recent commitment to building electric trucks in its Wacol, Queensland facility, it looks set to only grow its Australian market share.
“Our commitment to local manufacturing of electric vehicles in Wacol by as early as 2027means that soon trucks, like this Volvo FM Electric, will be made right here in Australia,” President of Volvo Group Martin Merrick says.
“No one can get to zero emissions alone. It’s a shared responsibility among industry, government and stakeholders to work together towards reducing emissions, and that’s what we see today.”
The mining industry is currently responsible for producing 18 per cent of Western Australia’s emissions.
WA Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Action Reece Whitby says the electrification of the state’s road transport sector will play a key role in driving Western Australia’s emissions output down.
“Electric trucks will be fundamental in our efforts to decarbonise Western Australian roads, especially for transporting freight in and around urban areas,” Whitby says.
“As many of our freight trucks cover long distances, decarbonising our roads requires a blend of solutions, but electric trucks are available today, and for the right jobs, they can start helping us decarbonise now.”
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