Coca-Cola customers will in New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia will need to listen a bit harder for the arrival of the products from now on.
As part of Toll Group’s $67 million investment in sustainable transport solutions, and in partnership with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP), 12 Volvo FM battery electric trucks will join the fleet.
The rigid model trucks will replace existing diesel vehicles in CCEP’s national delivery network, promising quieter and lower-emission distribution, 12-pallets at a time.
Toll President Retail and Consumer Nick Vrckovski, says the roll out was made possible by the long term parternship with CCEP.
“We are proud to have CCEP take part in our national electric heavy vehicle program. Their support is another key milestone in our 25+ year partnership, as we work together to reduce emissions, improve safety, and meet the high standards our customers expect.”
CCEP Director of Logistics Phillip Parsons says the initiative supports the company’s ongoing commitment to working with suppliers to build a sustainable, resilient, and low-carbon supply chain.
“Our investment in these 12 new electric rigids along with dedicated charging infrastructure across our facilities, reflects our long-term commitment to building a more sustainable beverage distribution network.
“With one of the most extensive logistics footprints in the country, we are proud to deliver beverages that are made in Australia to our customers reliably, safely, and efficiently – and now more sustainably.
“Partnering with Toll on this roll out is another meaningful step in our journey toward achieving net zero emissions by 2040, working collaboratively with suppliers to drive sustainable solutions across our entire value chain.”
The new electric trucks will operate from CCEP’s distribution centres in Botany (NSW), Eastern Creek (NSW), Richlands (QLD), and Hazelmere (WA), and be supported by site-specific charging infrastructure ranging from 30kW to 60kW dual outlet charging stations.
These facilities have been co-invested by CCEP, reinforcing its commitment to enabling the transition to electric vehicle technology.
Toll Group says the project marks the next phase of its $67 million investment in battery electric heavy vehicles and charging infrastructure, co-funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) through its ‘Driving the Nation’ program.
The Group says in total 28 EVs will be launched with Toll customers over the coming months, making it Australia’s largest deployment of battery electric heavy vehicles in the third-party sector.
Insights from the program will contribute to broader industry knowledge on energy usage, route planning, and vehicle performance, and support the long-term transition to low-emissions freight transport in Australia.