The first Volvo FH Electric sold in Australia has been delivered to Followmont Transport.
The prime mover will be tasked with shuttling trailers between Followmont’s Eagle Farm depot, servicing major accounts around Brisbane and running overnight linehaul to the company’s Toowoomba and Sunshine Coast depots.
Followmont Transport Managing Director, Mark Tobin, welcomed the significant milestone which marks a pivotal moment in the company’s journey towards reducing its carbon footprint and embracing cleaner, greener transportation solutions.
“We are thrilled to integrate electric trucks into our fleet, advancing our sustainability objectives and pioneering greener logistics solutions and are excited to receive the news that our road network is expanding to make the adoption of EV trucks easier,” he said.
“The investment in this truck reinforces our commitment to driving positive change and supporting a sustainable future for generations to come.”
The delivery coincides with the announcement of a zero-emissions road network for South East Queensland which will increase steer axle mass allowances to eight tonnes on the steer axle and 18.5 tonnes on the drive axles for battery electric heavy vehicles – a vital step to enable the roll out of heavy battery electric vehicle (BEV) transport.
Volvo Group Australia President and CEO, Martin Merrick, commended Followmont on the delivery.
“What a fantastic milestone to witness on our transformation journey,” he said.
“This truck is proof that there are plenty of transport applications that can be electrified right now, not at some distant point in the future.
“Having partners like Followmont who are committed to joining us on our path to net zero is vital for us.”
Merrick said the announcement from the Queensland government that axle mass weights will be raised for zero emission heavy vehicles in South East Queensland will make the move to battery electric a smoother transition for transport customers.
Followmont’s 540kWh, 666hp FH Electric prime mover is currently rated to 44 tonnes and has a range of up to 300 kilometres on a single charge.
A 60kW charger has also been installed on site at Followmont’s head office for overnight charging, with plans to install charging solutions further afield as the company seeks to increase reach and range.
“This delivery of Australia’s first Heavy Duty electric truck to our customer, Followmont, also carries the promise of innovation, efficiency, and a future where road transportation is environmentally sustainable,” said Volvo Commercial Vehicles Dealer Principal, Greg Sargeant.
“A promise that VCV is proud to support.”
To Followmont, the adoption of electric trucks represents just one facet of the company’s sustainability strategy.
The company will remain committed to exploring innovative technologies and practices that minimise its environmental footprint, while delivering exceptional service to its customers.
“Together, we can drive positive change and build a cleaner, more sustainable future for the next generation,” Tobin said.
Tobin said Followmont intends to collaborate closely with its business partners to champion sustainable practices and drive meaningful change within the industry.
“Our key accounts are integral partners in this journey towards sustainability,” he said.
As these electric trucks enter service, Followmont also intends to showcase the vehicles to its key partners, providing customers and staff with a first-hand electromobility experience.
In addition, Followmont has also signaled its intention to invest in electric vehicle competencies for staff to provide in-house expertise for emerging technology.
“Acknowledging that sustainability is a continuous learning journey, Followmont is committed to transparency and knowledge-sharing with its customers and team members,” Tobin said.
.png){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}
