Victorian based transport and logistics operator Total Logistics Solutions (TLS) has announced it has taken delivery of its first ever battery electric truck.
The Scania 25P serves as a milestone for the business and comes complete with a 10-pallet curtainsider body and powered tailgate.
Scania Australia managing director Manfred Streit was on hand to deliver the special model to TLS managing director Doug Painter and CEO Jason McHenry at Scania’s head office in Campbellfield, Victoria.
McHenry says the truck will be used in typical last mile deliveries in urban areas, and that the plan is to test the truck across its depots around the country to better understand the effectiveness of the technology and driver acceptance.
“We are committed to delivering a greener tomorrow,” he says.
“The payload of 10 pallets will be suitable for our delivery needs, and the available range will be more than adequate, judging by the final mile deliveries we currently make.
“We are very much looking forward to integrating this battery electric truck into the fleet, especially because we have been actively working to reducing our carbon footprint for transport. In recent times we have added new fuel-efficient Euro 6 Scania V8 trucks to the fleet. We have seen around a 10 per cent reduction in fuel and emissions, hauling A-double sets, which is impressive.
“Our client base is going to be very interested as well in how we incorporate the Scania BEV into the fleet. Many have already expressed strong support for emissions-free deliveries.”
Streit says Scania is “delighted” to mark the presentation of the zero-tailpipe emission truck to TLS.
“This truck will give TLS a real-world appreciation of the benefits of silent running, zero tailpipe emissions, as well as enhanced driver satisfaction,” he says.
The new BEV model provides plenty of comforts and features that mirror Scania’s other diesel truck models, with the OEM working with local body builder Austruck to apply the curtainsider body and Dhollandia tail lift.
“Attards, truck curtain and fleet graphics specialists tastefully designed the side curtains to enhance the environmentally friendly message of the 25 P, along with clear EV branding on the doors. This truck will be turning heads wherever it goes,” Scania Laverton new vehicle account manager Travis Damianopoulos says.
“From a driver’s perspective, the silence inside the cab, low NVH and the smart step-off acceleration will make this a joy to drive. Undoubtedly there will be some competition among the TLS drivers to have a go behind the wheel.”
Scania Finance Australia helped provide funding for the purchase as part of Scania’s total transport solution concept.
“TLS is a long-standing client of Scania Finance Australia, and we were pleased to be able to provide the funding for this purchase, tailoring the deal to meet the needs and expectations of our customer,” Scania Finance Australia country manager Wayne Thomason says.
“We are committed to making the funding of a Scania battery electric vehicle – and if required, the charger – as seamless and attractive as it is for any other product in our portfolio. We are very supportive of our customers moving into the BEV age and look forward to providing further financing for zero emission vehicles to Australian businesses.”
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