Coles and Bunnings to trial electric trucks

Coles will begin trialling Fuso eCanters from its Eastern Creek distributions centre while Bunnings trucks will start their rollout in Melbourne’s southwest with Linfox to supply electric trucks to both companies.

Daimler-owned Fuso is expanding its rollout of electric trucks nationwide as its eCanter is joining the fleet of Coles and Bunnings. Coles will begin the trial in New South Wales between the Eastern Creek distribution centre and nearby stores.

Coles believes that the addition of the eCanter to its current fleet can reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by more than 60 tonnes a year, which will help in achieving net zero by 2050.

David Clark, Coles’ head of transport safety and sustainability, said that the eCanter and its association with Linfox is a crucial part of the company’s aim to reduce emissions.

“Coles’ first electric truck is a big step in 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,” Mr Clark said

“By working with Linfox, we have considered the sustainability of the truck, from its carbon footprint when operating, to the end-of-life cycle impacts on the environment.

“We are proud to be working with Linfox Logistics to deliver Coles’ first electric truck. We are excited to see technology evolve 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.”

Bunnings will start its trial in Melbourne’s southwest, with a fast charger available at its Laverton distribution centre, which allows for the truck to be charged to 80 per cent capacity within an hour.

Executive chairman of Linfox Peter Fox believes that the eCanter will play a vital role in companies reducing their supply chain emissions.

“As leading Australian retailers continue to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources, Linfox is proud to support our customers’ ambitious sustainability targets,” Mr Fox said.

“Supply chain partners have an important role to play in the transition to renewable energy and the action we take now will determine our future and the future of generations to come.”

Last year Australia post added 20 eCanters to their national fleet, with a lease program allowing the trucks to be circulated on Australian roads for the next six years.