Woolworths and Linfox launch first EV to deliver fresh produce in Melbourne

Primary Connect, the supply chain arm of Australian supermarket giant Woolworths Group, has partnered with leading Australian logistics company Linfox to launch a new electric truck on Melbourne’s roads which will deliver fresh produce to Woolworths supermarkets.

The Volvo FL Electric – one of only two currently operating in Autralia – will transport fresh produce daily from Primary Connect’s Melbourne fresh food distribution centre to Woolworths stores around Melbourne.

“We’re excited to deepen our investment in electric vehicles in partnership with Linfox, as we pave the way for a greener next-generation supply chain,” said Chris Brooks, acting head Primary Connect and Chief Supply Chain Officer of Woolworths Group.

“We supply more than 1,000 supermarkets across the country, and the ongoing development of electric heavy vehicles represents an opportunity for us to drive positive change on Australia’s roads.

“We will be watching the results of this trial closely with Linfox to understand how electric trucks can support our shift to a low carbon future in the years ahead.”

Woolworths has committed to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 63% by 2030 from a 2015 base year, a target which has been endorsed by the Science Based Targets initiative – making Woolworths Australia’s first retailer and only the second ASX20 company to be so endorsed.

The new electric truck will Primary Connect’s Melbourne Fresh Distribution Centre to Woolworths supermarkets around the Melbourne metro area daily.

Able to carry up to eight pallets of produce which allows transport of an average of around four tonnes in each trip, the EV can travel up to 200-kilometres on a single charge. The truck will recharge at the Melbourne distribution centre, which already has a Five Star Green Star rating from the Green Building Council of Australia as well as a 1.5MW solar system.

“Linfox is proud to lead the way in the switch to electric vehicles in Australia’s logistics industry as we strive to meet our zero-emissions targets and support our customers to do the same,” said Peter Fox, Linfox executive chairman.