Trucks
The family-owned and operated business welcomed this significant milestone marking a pivotal moment in the company's journey towards reducing its carbon footprint and embracing cleaner, greener transportation solutions.
The FH Electric prime mover will be tasked with shuttling trailers between Followmont’s Eagle Farm depot, servicing major accounts around Brisbane and running overnight Linehaul to the company’s Sunshine Coast Depots.
The 540KwH, 666hp FH Electric prime mover is currently rated to 44 tons and has a range of up to 300 kilometres on a single charge. A 60kw charger has been installed on site at Followmont head office for overnight charging, with plans to install charging solutions further afield as the company seeks to increase reach and range.
The delivery coincides with the announcement of a zero-emissions heavy vehicle road network for South East Queensland which will increase steer axle mass allowances to 8 tons on the steer axle and 18.5 tons on the drive axles for battery electric heavy vehicles. A vital step to enable the roll out of heavy BEV transport.
Mark Tobin, Managing Director Followmont Transport, says "We are thrilled to integrate electric trucks into our fleet, advancing our sustainability objectives and pioneering greener logistics solutions and are excited to receive the news that our road network is expanding to make the adoption of EV trucks easier.”
“The investment in this truck reinforces our commitment to driving positive change and supporting a sustainable future for generations to come,” he said.
“Together, we can drive positive change and build a cleaner, more sustainable future for the next generation.”
Followmont says it intends to collaborate closely with its business partners to champion sustainable practices and drive meaningful change within the industry.
“Our key accounts are integral partners in this journey towards sustainability.”
As these electric trucks enter service, the company intends to showcase the vehicles to its key partners, providing customers and staff with firsthand electromobility experience.
In the near future, the company has also signaled its intention to invest in electric vehicle competencies for staff providing in-house expertise for emerging technology.
Acknowledging that sustainability is a continuous learning journey, the company is committed to transparency and knowledge-sharing with its customers and team members.
Martin Merrick, President and CEO, Volvo Group Australia says, “What a fantastic milestone to witness on our transformation journey,”
“This truck is proof that there are plenty of transport applications that can be electrified right now, not at some distant point in the future.” “Having partners like Followmont who are committed to joining us on our path to net zero is vital for us.”
“The announcement from the Queensland government yesterday that axle mass weights will be raised for zero emission heavy vehicles in South East Queensland will make the move to battery electric a smoother transition for transport customers.”
Followmont Transport says it’s adoption of electric trucks represents just one facet of the company’s sustainability strategy. The company remains committed to exploring innovative technologies and practices that minimise its environmental footprint, while delivering exceptional service to its customers.
Greg Sargeant, Dealer Principal of Volvo Commercial Vehicles says, “This delivery of Australia’s first Heavy Duty electric truck to our customer, Followmont, also carries the promise of innovation, efficiency, and a future where road transportation is environmentally sustainable. A promise that VCV is proud to support.”
The Volvo FH Electric was launched in Australia in 2023. Every diesel truck in the Volvo range has an electric equivalent.
Matt Wood – Public Relations and Media Manager (Volvo Group Australia)
Mobile: +61 (0)436 681 117
Email: matthew.wood@volvo.com
About Volvo Group Australia
Volvo Group Australia is responsible for Mack, Volvo truck brands within Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and the South Pacific Islands. Mack and Volvo Trucks proudly carry the Australian Made certification for trucks built at the local Wacol factory in Brisbane. Volvo Group Australia is the sole authorised distributor for UD Trucks in Australia.
We provide complete transport solutions for professional and demanding customers, including complete solutions for financing and service. Over 1400 people are employed by Volvo Group Australia across the country, with over 80 suppliers also benefitting from local production. Volvo Group boasts the largest dealer network in Australia and New Zealand with service points across the country giving access to metropolitan and regional customers.