Australian supply chain and transport group Linfox Logistics has...

Australian supply chain and transport group Linfox Logistics has introduced its first electric truck for major Australian retailer, Coles.

The Fuso eCanter is servicing several Coles stores in New South Wales, loading products from the Eastern Creek Distribution Centre in Sydney for delivery to Coles supermarkets and new format Coles Local stores.

Based on anticipated usage, at least 60 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (CO2-e) will
be avoided annually with this vehicle compared to the same size Euro 6 diesel powered truck.

The emission-free Fuso eCanter is powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity and is part of Linfox’s ‘Act Sustainably’ strategic promise, along with Coles’ ‘Together to Zero’ strategy.

Linfox executive chairman Peter Fox said: “As a leading logistics provider that has traditionally relied on fossil fuels to transport goods, Linfox has made a commitment to find alternative sources of energy to power our customers’ supply chains.

“Working in partnership with a trusted Australian retailer such as Coles, that connects customers with products from thousands of farmers and suppliers, is where the switch to electric vehicles can make the biggest difference.”

David Clark, Coles Head of Transport Safety & Sustainability – Supply Chain, said Coles sought supplier partners who aligned with its sustainability values, and noted Linfox was a natural fit for the electric truck project.

“We are excited to see how electric truck technology evolves and are eager to continue working with Linfox to discover ways to reduce emissions in our supply chain through alternate fuel technologies.”

Linfox will use findings from this trial and its other electric vehicle trials to better understand how further scalable solutions can be integrated across distribution networks in Australia.