Melbourne, Australia – Leading logistics company Toll Group has further expanded its national heavy electric vehicle (EV) program with the launch of five new Volvo FE electric rigid trucks. These trucks will operate in metropolitan Perth, marking a significant step in the company’s decarbonisation efforts.
EV Fleet Expansion in Western Australia
The new electric trucks were launched in partnership with Asahi Beverages and will operate from Asahi’s Forrestfield Distribution Centre, located east of Perth. This deployment is part of Toll’s ongoing commitment to increasing the number of electric vehicles within its national delivery fleet.
Operational Details and Environmental Impact
Designed for metropolitan beverage distribution in Perth, the five Volvo electric trucks are set to handle over 36,000 deliveries annually. They will transport a range of beverages, including kegs and packaged beer, liquor, and non-alcoholic drinks, to bottle shops and licensed venues across the city. Each truck boasts a range of up to 270 kilometres on a single charge. By replacing diesel-powered trucks, this initiative is projected to collectively reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 140 tonnes each year.
The trucks are fitted with 12-pallet tautliner bodies. The cabs are painted in Toll’s distinctive blue-green livery, while the trailers feature the branding of Asahi Beverages, known for iconic Australian beer brands. The introduction of these trucks is a joint investment between Toll Group and Asahi Beverages.
Strategic Partnerships and Decarbonisation Goals
Nick Vrckovski, president of retail and consumer at Toll Group, highlighted the significance of this milestone. “This milestone builds on our longstanding partnership with Asahi and represents the next step in our shared decarbonisation journey,” Vrckovski stated. “By deploying electric trucks across Perth’s high-volume metro network, we’re showing how lower-emissions transport can be achieved at scale, without compromising service reliability, safety or customer needs.”
The launch is supported by three dedicated dual-port 60 kW DC charging stations installed at Asahi’s Forrestfield site. This investment is a component of Toll’s broader commitment of $67 million towards deploying battery electric heavy vehicles and associated charging infrastructure nationwide. This effort receives partial funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) through its ‘Driving the Nation’ program.
National Rollout and Industry Leadership
Toll Group has been actively rolling out electric rigid and prime mover trucks across Australia, partnering with major clients in the grocery and beverage sectors, including Coca-Cola and Coles. The company has also supplied electric vehicles to Australian steel producer BlueScope and energy retailer Origin Energy. This widespread adoption is establishing Toll as a leader in the third-party deployment of battery electric heavy vehicles in Australia.