Fleet of three comprises SEA Electric drivetrain in Hino gliders
Fleet delivery service ANC has unveiled its first commercial electric vehicle fleet, dedicated to client Ikea’s last-mile home delivery services in New South Wales.
The fleet comprises three 100 per cent electric vehicles, built on a Hino 917 Series glider, with SEA Electric’s SEA Drive 120a electric components.
ANC managing director James Taylor says international retailers have been transitioning their fleets to electric vehicles in other countries, but Australia has been slower due to a lack of commercial vehicle supply, availability and investment.
“We are thrilled to become the first commercial electric home delivery fleet provider in New South Wales and pledge our commitment to Ikea’s bold vision for a 100 per cent electric home delivery fleet by 2025.
“We realise that as a fleet delivery service we have a long way to go but look forward to using our experience and knowledge to change the commercial fleet landscape for the better, for everyone.
“Our fleet consists of over 760 trucks, vans, utes, and crane trucks so the investment in three electric vehicles is just the beginning in ANC’s EV journey.
“We can only have a meaningful impact by working in partnership with industry leaders, clients, and suppliers to speed up the transition to electric.
“ANC is ready for the challenge and has other major retailers ready to commit to EV.”
Read about SEA Electric’s bid to take its advances to the US, here
ANC spruiks the custom-designed cargo box, which it says stands at a slightly taller 2.5m, allowing for a larger number of bulky goods to be packed vertically at an average 17 deliveries per run rather than the standard 10-12 deliveries.
It contains built-in padded wall racking to secure and protect the goods in transit, and a Kemlite roof allows natural light into the box for greater safety when loading and unloading.
In addition to launching the EV fleet, ANC is expanding its bespoke route optimisation program to reduce average kilometres driven.
The zero-emissions commercial trucks will save an estimated 36 tonnes of CO2 per annum when compared to a typical diesel equivalent, ANC notes.