When Brisbane workers receive their Origin Energy gas bottles at their sites this month, they’ll have to listen closely for the truck’s arrival.
The reason is electric, in fact a Volvo FE Electric 4×2 rigid truck, added to the Toll Group fleet as part of the company’s $67 million investment in battery-electric heavy vehicles, co-funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
In all, Toll expect to add 28 electric vehicles to its fleet across the nation as part of the Driving the Nation program.
The new truck in Brisbane has been purpose-built for the Toll Group and Origin Energy partnership and offers a daily range of 200-275 km per duty cycle while reducing 39 tonnes of C02 annually compared to traditional vehicles.
Toll’s Resources and Industrials president Michael Rugendyke says the new truck offers a way to reduce the impact of CO2 on the supply chain.
“This project shows that electric heavy vehicles are not just a concept, they’re a practical solution for complex supply chains,” Rugendyke says.
“Our partnership with Origin Energy highlights how collaboration can accelerate the transition to cleaner logistics.”
Origin LPG general manager Amber Fennell says the partnership had led to innovation.
“Our partnership with Toll has enabled us to develop this electric vehicle specifically designed for LPG cylinder delivery,” Fennell says.
“This project has been in development for over a year as part of our 10-year strategic partnership.
“Based on the success of this trial, we are excited about the potential for electric vehicles to transform our LPG operations in the future.”
“As a leading Australian energy company, we recognise our role in the transition to a low emissions future and are committed to sustainable choices that benefit both customers and the environment.”
The Volvo FE Electric rigid truck is now in service in metropolitan Brisbane, delivering LPG cylinders between Origin facilities.
Toll says the trial will provide valuable insights into performance, charging cycles, and operational efficiency, informing future low-emission transport strategies.