First all-electric Volvo truck delivered

VOLVO Trucks Australia has delivered its first all-electric truck Down Under, to global logistics outfit Geodis.

A 6x2 FE Electric truck will operate between the Geodis headquarters in Matraville, Sydney, and Volvo Group Australia’s parts distribution centre 47 kilometres away in Minto.

The news comes as Volvo Group Australia gears up to commence local production of its all-electric trucks out of its Brisbane factory in 2027.

In preparation for local production the truck maker has acquired Queensland state government permits for the trial of two battery-electric heavy-duty trucks that exceed Australia’s 2.5-metre width restriction.

For the Geodis deal, Volvo Group Australia regional logistics buyer Jennie Alfredsson identified the parts delivery route as an ideal fit for an electric FE model, with calculated energy requirements of 69kWh for the trip. 

“This project has been such a great example of multiple stakeholders working together to take yet another step towards decarbonising our industry one truck at a time,” said Volvo Group Australia vice president of emerging technology business development, Paul Illmer.

“As a transport buyer, Jennie has recognised an opportunity to make a difference in our logistics operations as seized it. And as a team we’ve worked together to bring a solution to the table.

“We’ve made no bones about our determination to tackle the decarbonisation challenges along the way, whether that be sourcing green power for our facilities, a solar project utilising our own building and factories or finding opportunities such as this.

The FE Electric is fitted with four batteries providing a total capacity of 266kWh,  equating to a driving of 220km depending on the application. 

While the journey only uses 69kWh of energy, the truck is charged using a 50kWh charger at the depot end and takes just over three hours to be charged from empty to 100 per cent.

A dual-motor driveline with combined output of 225kW/850Nm, backed by a two-speed automated transmission, propels the electric truck with its seven-tonne payload.

”Geodis is a low-carbon transport and logistics solution pioneer, and we continually strive to reduce our carbon footprint and limit polluting emissions,” said Geodis Pacific sub-regional managing director Stuart Asplet.

“We are delighted to collaborate with Volvo on this path, since we know that our future success will be dependent on sustainable partnerships such as this.”

Beyond rolling out smaller electric trucks, Volvo Group Australia will begin production of heavier all-electric vehicles at its Brisbane factory in 2027.

The large battery packs of Volvo’s trial vehicles, mounted where traditional fuel tanks would be, exceed the width limits by just 2.5cm. The promise of local production adds weight behind a broader industry push for a relaxation of the current regulations. 

Peak industry body, the Australian Trucking Association, has called on the federal government to increase current truck and trailer width restrictions calling the current limit “out of step with international markets”.

The recently delivered Geodis FE Electric truck meets current Australian Design Rules, but the larger electric prime movers from Volvo, Tesla and others hang in the balance as the industry pushes for regulatory change.