Trucks

First Volvo FL Electric arrives in Australia

As the Volvo Trucks electromobility journey gathers pace globally, Volvo Trucks Australia is excited to announce the arrival of the first Volvo FL Electric on Australian shores.
First Volvo FL Electric arrives in Australia.

This first unit will be fitted with an 8-pallet body and tailgate lift and is destined for trials and evaluation with Linfox, undertaking metropolitan deliveries within BevChain, its leading beverage logistics business.

“It is very clear that both our customers, and our customer’s customers, are demanding a cleaner and quieter urban transport environment,” says Vice President, Volvo Trucks Australia Tony O’Connell. “Momentum is building globally to create safe and clean cities and the arrival of this truck in Australia marks the first step on that journey for Volvo Trucks Australia.”

“The electrification of our urban supply chain not only affects the local air quality of our cities,” continues O’Connell. “It also has the potential to make our urban areas more liveable. Imagine a cityscape of clear horizons, devoid of the rumble and hum of the tradition internal combustion engine, and that’s got to be something worth striving for.”

“The introduction of electric vehicles opens an exciting chapter for both Linfox and Volvo,” says Executive Chairman Linfox Pty Ltd, Peter Fox.

This will play a crucial role in Linfox’s business as they work towards a cleaner and more sustainable transport industry.

“Our investment in sustainable vehicles will significantly help reduce our emissions in the foreseeable future.

“Adopting a greener fleet is an ongoing part of our commitment to act sustainably, as we strive for zero net environmental emissions and play our part to mitigate climate change.

“As our nations’ freight demand grows, it is vital we meet that need safely, efficiently and with reduced environmental impact.

“Acting sustainably is just common sense. It is imperative to my family and our business that we preserve and protect our environment for the next generation,” Fox concludes.

The 4x2 Volvo FL Electric is powered by 600 Volt, 200 kWh battery packs which power a 200kW/425Nm motor. Power gets to the drive wheels via a 2-speed I-Shift automated transmission.

In late 2020 Volvo Trucks announced its intention for all Volvo Trucks to be fossil fuel free by 2040. It also announced that pre sales for the European market of a complete range of electric heavy duty truck models would begin in 2021 with production to start in 2022.

The road map to a fossil free future for Volvo Trucks also includes the development of Hydrogen Fuel Cell technology for long haul applications to complement the more urban centric electric drivelines and the gradual phasing out of the traditional diesel engine.

“This is a very exciting time to be a part of Volvo Trucks Australia,” says O’Connell. “The path to a cleaner, safer and ultimately more enjoyable cityscape is being paved as we speak.” “I look forward to seeing this truck plying the streets of an Australian capital city in the very near future.”

The Volvo FL Electric is expected to begin trials with Linfox/BevChain in April 2021.

Linfox is a member of the Electric Vehicle Council, the national body representing the electric vehicle industry in Australia.

For further information, please contact:

Matt Wood – Strategic Projects & Communications Manager (Volvo Group Australia)
Mobile: +61 (0)436 681117
Email: matthew.wood@volvo.com