Linfox is rolling out a fleet of heavy-duty electric trucks across Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide as part of a major push to reduce diesel use, transport emissions and operating costs across key freight routes.
The private logistics company is putting the first of 26 battery-powered prime movers into service, with the vehicles to be used across heavy-hauling operations including food and beverage distribution and integrated rail transport.
The trucks are expected to travel around 500 kilometres a day, replacing diesel vehicles on existing freight routes from Linfox’s Laverton North hub in Melbourne, before being deployed from Willawong in Brisbane and the Adelaide rail freight terminal.
The project is backed by $19.63 million from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency through the Federal Government’s Driving the Nation program, which supports heavy battery electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen says the project will help reduce diesel bills, lower transport emissions and demonstrate the role electric vehicles can play in heavy haulage.
“This investment in electric trucks, fast chargers and onsite solar systems could deliver the biggest cut to Linfox’s fuel use, emissions and running costs in its seven-decade history,” says Chris.
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King says freight remains central to the Australian economy but has historically been exposed to global fuel markets.
“Getting trucks on the road that are powered by electricity will ensure costs are more consistent for consumers and make our supply chains more resilient,” says Catherine.
Local MP Tim Watts says the investment also has community benefits, particularly for residents living near busy freight routes in Melbourne’s west.
“Anyone who lives near a busy freight route knows the noise. Electric trucks are significantly quieter, and that’s a real quality-of-life win for our community in Melbourne’s west,” says Tim.
The announcement follows other government-backed clean transport investments, including support for battery-powered delivery fleets and fast-charging infrastructure.
It also comes alongside $70 million in Clean Energy Finance Corporation support to help more operators access Volvo heavy electric vehicles and support skilled jobs at Volvo’s Queensland truck manufacturing plant.
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