Linfox has announced it is expanding its ongoing trial of electric trucks revealing this week that it has introduced two Fuso eCanter battery electric trucks to its Bunnings delivery fleet for the first time.
According to Linfox, the Fuso eCanters will deliver home and lifestyle products to local stores in Melbourne’s southwest and will be powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity.
The company says that based on the anticipated use, it will avoid at least 60 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (CO2-e) annually compared to the same size Euro 6 diesel powered truck.
“As leading Australian retailers continue to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources, Linfox is proud to support our customers’ ambitious sustainability targets,” said Linfox executive chairman, Peter Fox.
“Act Sustainably is a key strategic driver in our Leading the Way 2025 business strategy, and this includes a growing fleet of electric vehicles replacing diesel powered vehicles on suburban transport routes,” Fox said
“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,” he added.
The company said that the new electric vehicles form part of Bunnings’ sustainability strategy with a pledge to reach net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030.
Linfox adds that the trial will assist Bunnings to assess methods of transitioning to lower emissions transport in its supply chain in the future.
The Fuso eCanter will be recharged using a fast charger at Bunnings’ Laverton distribution centre. It can be recharged to 80 per cent capacity in an hour using a 40kW DC fast charger or fully charged in four hours.
Daimler Truck and Bus Australia Pacific president and CEO, Daniel Whitehead, said the Fuso eCanter was perfectly suited to help Bunnings achieve its sustainability targets.
“We are thrilled Bunnings will use Linfox operated zero emission Fuso eCanters as part of its clear commitment to reduce carbon emissions and address climate change,” Mr Whitehead said.
“The eCanter is a practical workhorse and its full suite of active safety features, including Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS), allows fleets to look after the planet and their workers at the same time,” Whitehead added.
