Melbourne headquartered logistics giant Toll Group has unveiled two new Volvo electric trucks that are being introduced into its fleet to support BlueScope Steel with its freight and warehousing capabilities.
The two new Volvo FMe Electric 6×4 Prime Movers have already begun transporting steel products between BlueScope facilities in metropolitan Sydney.
They boast a range of 270 kilometres on a single charge and can haul a payload weighing up to 26.5 tonnes, resulting in an annual reduction of 192 tonnes of carbon dioxide. This makes the trucks ideal for industrial freight applications, where they not only reduce operational emissions, but also noise and environmental impact.
Toll’s sustainability strategy includes a $67 million investment in battery electric heavy vehicles and charging infrastructure, co-funded with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) through its ‘Driving the Nation’ program, to introduce 28 electric vehicles into fleet.
“By integrating the Volvo Electric Prime Movers into our operations, we’re demonstrating that electric heavy vehicles are not just a future vision, they’re a viable, real-world solution available today,” said Michael Rugendyke, president of Toll Group responsible for resources and industrials.
The ARENA funding was announced back in late 2024, which promised the deployment of 18 Volvo electric prime movers and 10 Volvo electric rigid trucks, as well as charging infrastructure for 30 charging ports.
Toll also recently introduced a Volvo FM battery electric prime mover for Primary Connect, part of the Woolworths Group, which will be operating out of the company’s Moorebank Distribution Centre in New South Wales.
“Decarbonising transport is essential to achieving our climate ambitions,” said Jeff Moore, BlueScope, National Manager Supply Chain.
“Working with Toll Group and Volvo Group to introduce these vehicles into our operations allows us to take meaningful action on reducing emissions while continuing to deliver for our customers.”
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.