DHL Supply Chain (DHL) has energised its transition to electric vehicles (EVs) with the first Australian delivery of Volvo FL Electric with second-generation battery packs.
The updated battery packs provide an increase in range over the previous range of FL Electric.
Based at DHL’s Western Sydney supply chain campus, the medium-duty Volvo FL begins the fulfilment of DHL Supply Chain’s efforts in Australia to help achieve the Group’s target of 60 per cent electric vehicles in its last-mile fleet by 2030.
DHL Supply Chain CEO Steve Thompsett says that the company is pleased to take delivery of the Volvo FL, with its state-of-the-art technology in Australia.
“Globally, DHL Supply Chain has a strong understanding of the climate crisis and a head-start in reducing the environmental impact of its operations,” he adds.
“Updating our fleet to zero emissions vehicles is a priority in Australia and it combines well with the measures we’re taking to reduce our carbon footprint across our operations.
“The breadth of DHL Supply Chain’s global footprint means that our company has already trialled and rolled out Volvo’s electric truck offerings in Europe, meaning that we could forgo an Australian trial and go straight to investing in these climate-benefitting vehicles.”
Dispensing with internal combustion power, the Volvo FL combines a 600-volt motor with a two-speed transmission to deliver a 5500kg payload. Four 66 kwH Gen 2 battery packs provide power with charging times dependent on the duty cycle and chargers used.
A regenerative braking system and transmission tops up the FL’s batteries every time it decelerates.
Fitted with a tautliner van body capable of carrying eight full-sized pallets, the Volvo Fl uses its 300km range to service various DHL Supply Chain customers.
DHL Supply Chain Senior Vice President of Transport Bill Rolfe says the company’s launch of the Volvo FL Electric is in line with the company’s aim of continual improvement.
“The addition of Volvo FL electric trucks is a simple way for us to transition to battery-electric technology, with a useful driving range, proven reliability and an intuitive driving experience that will resonate with our staff,” he adds.
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