Linfox’s first refrigerated electric vehicle, a Volvo FL Electric, has joined the Woolworths Group’s fleet to deliver fresh produce to stores in metropolitan Melbourne.
The FL Electric will transport fresh produce daily from the Melbourne fresh food distribution centre operated by the Woolworths Group’s supply chain arm, Primary Connect.
The vehicle is just one of two Volvo FL Electrics in Australia and 75 released globally, and is the only FL Electric in Australia to be fitted with refrigeration.
The jointly branded vehicle can deliver up to eight pallets of produce allowing Woolworths to transport an average of around four tonnes per trip.
It uses four batteries to achieve an energy capacity of 200kWh. Future iterations are expected to feature a capacity of 265kWh. The electric driveline provides 425Nm of torque which is delivered to the rear wheels via a two-speed automated transmission.
Like it’s diesel-powered counterparts, the Electric FL maintains a full suite of active safety systems including autonomous emergency braking. The FL Electric also achieves the rigorous Swedish BOF10 crash rating which surpasses current European standards.
Chris Brooks, Primary Connect acting managing director and Woolworths Group chief supply chain officer, says the aim is make more sustainable changes from the products in the supermarkets to the trucks that deliver them.
“Linfox has been with us on our journey of electric vehicles since 2018 and we share a commitment to sustainability.
“We’re excited to deepen our investment in electric vehicles in partnership with Linfox, as we pave the way for a greener next-generation supply chain.
“We supply more than 1000 supermarkets across the country, and the ongoing development of heavy electric trucks represents an opportunity for us to drive positive change on Australia’s roads.
“We will be watching the results of this trial closely with Linfox to understand how electric trucks can support our shift to a low carbon future in the years ahead,” Brooks says.
A charging station at the Melbourne Fresh DC will boost the battery while deliveries are unloaded. The EV can travel up to 200km before needing to be recharged and takes nine hours to fully recharge.
Launched in 2020, Linfox’s Leading the Way 2025 business strategy identifies ‘act sustainably’ as a key strategic driver.
Linfox’s GreenFox sustainability programme targets cleaner transport and mitigation of diesel emissions amongst other important sustainability initiatives.
“In 2007, Linfox set out to cut its greenhouse gas emissions in half and we did that,” Linfox executive chairman Peter Fox says.
“Today we are not just interested in making our own business practices greener, we are committed to helping our customers act sustainably too. Linfox is proud to lead the way in the adoption of electric vehicles as we strive to meet our zero emission targets and support our customers to do the same.
“With shared values, environmental considerations are at the top of Linfox, Woolworths and Volvo’s agendas. It is partnerships like this that can drive big change,” Fox says.
Volvo Group Australia technology business development vice president Paull Illmer says close stakeholder relationships are important as EV infrastructure develops and matures.
“Partnership is indeed the new leadership as mobility around the world continues to transform, and partnering with businesses like Linfox and Woolworths, who share our values and vision, will ensure our ambition to implement emissions free transport solutions are in good hands,” Illmer says.
Volvo Group Australia president and chief executive Martin Merrick says the firm has recently unveiled a vision of a carbon free future “and we are proud to be playing our part in making the first steps towards achieving that goal here in Australia with these trial vehicles”.
Primary Connect’s Melbourne Fresh Distribution Centre has a Five Star Green Star rating from the Green Building Council of Australia and a comprehensive 1.5MW solar system which generates enough electricity to power 320 households.
In August 2018, Woolworths Group launched its first electric distribution vehicle, the first 100% electric heavy rigid vehicle in Australia – and the largest of its kind at the time. In 2019, its second EV joined the fleet.
