Linfox’s 100% electric prime mover has been hard at work, delivering groceries from the Coles Laverton Distribution Centre direct to hundreds of Coles supermarkets across metropolitan Melbourne to help feed our communities.
The first electric truck to win the prestigious International Truck of the Year 2024 award in Europe, this vehicle can travel up to 300km on a single charge and will save approximately 25,000 litres of fuel to prevent approximately 65 tonnes of CO2-e emissions every year, or the equivalent of removing 15 cars from our roads.
CEO Linfox Australia and New Zealand, Mark Mazurek explains the initiative builds on a 60-year partnership with Coles and demonstrates a combined commitment to reducing carbon emissions.
“Without our collective commitment to sustainability and adaptability, this wouldn’t be possible,” said Mark.
“Introducing the zero emissions Volvo FH prime mover into our operations will help reduce our carbon footprint and support Coles to reduce theirs too.
“This fully electric prime mover is charged on site and is at the forefront of automotive technology. It is designed to carry large volumes of freight and reduce emissions while continuing to provide safe and on-time deliveries. It is a very quiet vehicle, reducing noise pollution for our communities.”
Early adopters of sustainable technology
As early adopters of low and zero emissions technology, Linfox continues to build trust with our customers to support sustainability opportunities within the industry.
Coles Chief Operations and Supply Chain Officer Matt Swindells said the EV is another step in the retailer’s decarbonisation journey, as it continues to work with partners to reduce its Scope 3 emissions which occur in its supply chain and make up the majority of its overall emissions profile.
“We’re excited to welcome our first EV prime mover to our network which is currently doing about 25 deliveries from our Distribution Centre in Victoria each week to hundreds of stores across the state,” said Matt.
“Linfox has been an early adopter of electric vehicle transport technology, and we’re pleased to be partnering with them to lower emissions on our roads, as well as in our supply chain, and contribute to driving change in the industry,” said Matt.
By leading and investing in the latest advancements, Linfox and Coles are well positioned to contribute to a more sustainable future for the logistics sector and Australian communities.
Mutual commitment to minimising our environmental impact
Linfox has supported Coles’ growth and innovation with a long-standing partnership that began in the 1960s.
“We continue to build on the partnership legacy that was built on trust and commitment to adopt smarter, safer solutions for Coles,” said Mark.
“Over the past two years we’ve worked with Coles, Government and agencies to bring this prime mover to our roads, and using it with our trusted partners. We’re engineering the future now and have shown that these technologies are possible and effective.
“Linfox has had electric vehicles on the road in Australia since 2021, but this is the first electric prime mover to hit our roads. This investment marks a significant and exciting milestone in Linfox and Coles ongoing efforts to reduce our carbon footprint and create a safe, secure, efficient, sustainable future,” he said.
The right expertise
Shifting to new technologies requires adaptability and the right expertise. Linfox is committed to ensuring its team members are equipped with the right training to have confidence in adopting new ways of working.
Mark reinforces that without the dedication and adaptability of our people, pioneering these initiatives would not be possible.
“It takes immense expertise and effort to understand emerging technology. Our people remain informed and agile as we move to more sustainable practices,” said Mark.
