The push to become a truly “green” grocer continues for Coles supermarkets in Australia with the company joining forces with Toll Group to deploy electric trucks for distribution duties in Perth.
The Volvo FM electric prime movers hit the road from the Coles Distribution Centre at Kewdale on November 11, expected to complete 52 deliveries to Coles stores across Perth each week and reduce CO2 emissions by about 100 tonnes per vehicle over the course of a year, compared to the diesel trucks they will replace.
Toll has committed $67 million to battery electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, co-funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and its Driving the Nation program.
Toll Group’s Retail and Consumer president Nick Vrckovski says the milestone for Perth is welcome news.
“Our commitment to a more sustainable logistics future isn’t possible without the support of our key customers,” Vrckovski says.
“We’re proud of our long-standing partnership with Coles, and this initiative demonstrates how we’re working together to deliver service excellence, safety, and sustainable transport solutions.”
Western Australia’s State Transport manager for Coles, Ian Kitching, says the new truck marked a changing era for the business.
“This partnership marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to reduce emissions associated with our transportation network,” Kitching says.
“Welcoming our first electric heavy vehicles to our fleet in Perth is more than just a technological upgrade, it’s a long-term investment in developing a more sustainable supply chain.”