As part of a trial of electric vehicles with major customers, leading beverage logistics company BevChain, has introduced what it claims is Sydney’s first electric beer delivery truck into the BevChain Lion fleet.
The Fuso eCanter will deliver Tooheys New in kegs and cartons, along with other Lion beers from BevChain’s award winning automated warehouse to pubs, bars and clubs in metropolitan Sydney.
Based on anticipated usage, it is reported that at least 60 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (CO2-e) will be averted annually by using one eCanter, compared to the same size Euro 6 diesel powered truck.
BevChain President, Misha Shliapnikoff said the truck’s operation is underpinned by BevChain and parent company Linfox Logistics’ Leading the Way 2025 business strategy, as the transport and distribution leader strives to ‘act sustainably’ through the GreenFox program.
“BevChain is excited to introduce the first electric truck for Lion,” he said.
“This truck will be powered by clean energy from our automated distribution centre, which is situated strategically next to the Lion brewery in Auburn, NSW,” Shliapnikoff
“As Lion’s logistics partner, we’re committed to working with Lion to reduce carbon emissions and meet our shared sustainability targets.”
The electric vehicle supports Lion’s sustainability goals: In 2020 the company is said to have become Australia’s first Climate Active accredited carbon neutral brewer, and has committed to achieving a net zero value chain by 2050.
Daimler Truck and Bus Australia Pacific President and CEO, Daniel Whitehead, said he was thrilled to see the Fuso eCanter going to work for Linfox and Lion.
“The Fuso eCanter is a pioneering electric truck but it is more than a statement, it is a real workhorse that can get the job done in near silence while producing zero emissions,” said Whitehead.
Lion Australia Managing Director, David Smith, said collaboration across industry was key to ensuring the simple pleasure of having a beer at the pub will be enjoyed for generations to come.
“From the farm to the brewery to the road and then the pub or bottle shop, we are looking at all the ways we can minimise our carbon footprint and meet our 2050 goal,” said Smith.
Linfox and BevChain will reportedly have six electric vehicles in operation for major customers across Victoria and New South Wales by March 2022.