First local electric truck delivery for DHL

The Australian company will continue to move towards a greater electric fleet

Freight and logistics company DHL Supply Chain has announced it is energising its transition to electric vehicles by receiving its first Australian delivery of Volvo FL Electric trucks with second-generation battery packs.

The updated battery packs will provide an increase in range over the previous FL Electric range, with the delivery being the first of its kind in Australia of the second-generation Volvo FL Electric.

In its first step in its target of 60 per cent electric last-mile trucks in its fleet by 2030, DHL Supply Chain will run the truck out of its Western Sydney supply chain campus.

The Volvo FL combines a 600-volt motor with a two-speed transmission to deliver a 5,500kg payload, dispensing with internal combustion power, while four 66 kWh Gen 2 battery packs provide power and a regenerative braking system and transmission tops up the batteries each time it decelerates.

The Volvo FL is fitted with a tautliner van body capable of carrying eight full-sized pallets and has a 300km range for DHL customers.

DHL Supply Chain CEO Steve Thompsett says the company is pleased to take delivery of the Volvo FL 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,” Thompson says.

“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.”

DHL Supply Chain senior vice president of transport Bill Rolfe says the company’s launch of the Volvo FL Electric is in line with its 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,” Rolfe says.

Volvo Trucks vice president Gary Bone says he’s pleased to see DHL Supply take delivery of the Volvo FL.

“As well as being nimble, safe and a comfortable place for DHL Supply Chain staff to work, the Volvo FL delivers tangible benefits to the climate, as well as everybody who lives and works in the areas in which they operate,” Bone says.

“Driver feedback on these trucks is overwhelmingly positive in terms of comfort and ergonomics and reduced fatigue levels.

“We can’t wait to see more of them in DHL livery.”

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