Coles and Bunnings to enter EV truck trial with Fuso eCanters

Daimler-owned manufacturer Fuso is expanding its rollout of electric trucks throughout Australia, with its eCanter now joining the fleet of Coles and Bunnings.

Facilitated by transport giant Linfox, the deal will result in the all-electric eCanter becoming a more integral part of each business, with Coles starting its New South Wales trial in Sydney between the Eastern Creek distribution centre and nearby stores.

Coles believes the addition of the eCanter to its fleet can reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by more than 60 tonnes annually, helping it to achieve net-zero by 2050.

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Coles' head of transport safety and sustainabilty, David Clark, said the eCanter and its association with Linfox is an important part of the company's aim to reduce emissions.

“Coles’ first electric truck is a big step in introducing alternate fuel technologies to our supply chain, and we are excited about the opportunity to see more electric vehicles delivering groceries to our distribution centres and supermarkets in the future,” said Clark.

“By working with Linfox, we have considered the sustainability of the truck, from its carbon footprint when operating, to the end-of-lifecyle impacts on the environment.

“We are proud to be working with Linfox Logistics to deliver Coles’ first electric truck. We are excited to see technology evolves and are eager to continue working with Linfox to discover ways to reduce emissions in our supply chain through alternate fuel technologies.

“We will continue to work tirelessly toward our Together to Zero sustainability ambitions, with hopes to one day introduce electric vehicles to support home delivery, as customers look to live and shop sustainably.”

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Bunnings is set to begin its own trial in Melbourne's southwest, with a fast charger at its Laverton distribution centre allowing the truck to be charged to 80 per cent capacity within an hour.

Linfox executive chairman Peter Fox believes the eCanter will form an important part of companies reducing their supply chain emissions.

“As leading Australian retailers continue to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources, Linfox is proud to support our customers’ ambitious sustainability targets,” said Fox.

“Supply chain partners have an important role to play in the transition to renewable energy and the action we take now will determine our future and the future of generations to come.”

Last year, Australia Post took delivery of 20 eCanters to its national fleet, with a lease program allowing the trucks to circulate on Australian roads for the next six years.