Coles has joined a growing band of Australian companies turning to electric trucks.
It is using an electric-powered truck to deliver stock to NSW stores under a trial being undertaken with transport partner Linfox Logistics.
Coles joins Bunnings and Australia Post who are already using the Fuso eCanter truck.
By way of explanation, Fuso is part of the Daimler-Chrysler group.
Compared to the diesel Canter, Daimler Trucks claims running costs are significantly lower — as much as $1620 for every 10,000km driven.
Australia Post became the first Aussie company to put the electric truck into action as part of its growing electric fleet back in 2019.
It now has more than 3000 electric trucks on the road around Australia already.
Fuso eCanter is a 3.5 tonne truck that uses six lithium-ion battery packs that combined have a total capacity of 82.8kWh.
It is already in use in a number of countries around the world by logistics companies in the UK, Portugal, Japan and the US.
With 115kW of power and 390Nm of torque, eCanter has a range of around 100km.
The battery can be charged to 80 percent in 9 hours with an AC charger, or 60 minutes with a fast DC charger — with a CCS-Type-2 connector.
Coles says the truck will be used to deliver groceries from its Eastern Creek Distribution Centre in Sydney’s west to a number of Coles and Coles Local supermarkets in NSW.
It’s expected to save more than 60 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions each year.
Head of Transport Safety & Sustainability – Supply Chain, David Clark, said the trial was a significant step in Coles’ Sustainability Strategy and demonstrated how Coles could win together with transport partners to reduce its carbon footprint.
“Coles’ first electric truck is a big step to introducing alternate fuel technologies to our supply chain and we are excited about the opportunity to see more electric vehicles delivering groceries to our distribution centres and supermarkets in the future,” he said.
“By working with Linfox, we have considered the sustainability of the truck, from its carbon footprint when operating, to the end-of-lifecycle impacts on the environment.”
Mr Clark said Coles sought supply partners who aligned with its sustainability values and noted Linfox was a natural fit for the electric truck project.
“We are proud to be working with Linfox Logistics to deliver Coles’ first electric truck. We are excited to see how electric truck technology evolves and are eager to continue working with Linfox to discover ways to reduce emissions in our supply chain through alternate fuel technologies.
“We will continue to work tirelessly toward our Together to Zero sustainability ambitions, with hopes to one day introduce electric vehicles to support home delivery, as customers look to live and shop sustainably.”
Linfox Logistics Executive Chairman Peter Fox said: “Working in partnership with a trusted Australian retailer such as Coles, that connects customers with products from thousands of farmers and suppliers, is where the switch to electric vehicles can make the biggest difference.”
Coles customers with electric vehicles can also enjoy the benefits and convenience of charging their cars while they shop at some Coles supermarket and Coles Express sites.
At the end of last financial year, Coles had installed electric-charging stations at 12 supermarket sites, and two additional Coles Express sites.
Through Coles’ Together to Zero strategy, the supermarket is committed to creating a greener future for generations to come through its ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, sourcing 100 per cent renewable electricity by the end of the 2025 financial year and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
CHECKOUT: What about electric trucks, Scott?
CHECKOUT: Trial for five heavy duty, hydrogen-powered trucks