Volvo Trucks NZ is now an approved electric heavy vehicle supplier for the Government’s $27.5 million Low Emissions Heavy Vehicle Fund (LEHVF).
Administered by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), the fund aims to offset barriers to purchase by funding up to 25% of the purchase price of a new low or zero-emissions heavy vehicle.
Rob Woods, general manager of Motor Truck Distributors NZ (local distributor of Volvo Trucks), says the Swedish brand “offers real solutions for any organisation looking to include electric trucks in their fleet”.
This helps companies meet their sustainability goals and reduce overall operating costs, he says.
“With a proven track record internationally, the Volvo Electric Truck range has been delivering class leading efficiency, performance and uptime across the world since its launch in 2019.
“We are pleased to be able to offer these solutions from light truck through to the FH Heavy Electric, which was awarded International Truck of the Year in 2024 – the first electric truck with this prestigious title,’ Woods says.
“Along with the advances in technology and a significant investment in development, Volvo Trucks is now able to offer the heavier FM and FH Electric rated to a 50 tonne GCM solution to suit the 50MAX HPMV B-train proforma, specific to New Zealand, but not seen in many other places around the world,” he adds.
Heavy vehicles make up less than 5% of New Zealand’s vehicle fleet, but account for roughly a quarter of all road transport emissions.
“Any change in the New Zealand parc to zero emission vehicles will have a positive and lasting impact on sustainability and environmental responsibility for the whole of New Zealand and Volvo Trucks are proud to be a part of the total solution,” Woods says.
According to EECA, the current total cost of ownership (TCO) of some electric trucks have reached parity with internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in certain applications. EV technologies and infrastructure are rapidly advancing, becoming increasingly more cost-effective and accessible.
“The Government has identified that transport accounts for 18% of New Zealand’s total emissions, which is why they are focused on removing barriers to accelerate the decisions organisations are making to switch to lower-emission technologies with part-funded programs like LEHVF,” Woods says.
