Truck maker Volvo has announced that it has delivered the first of its FH Electric prime movers sold in Australia to major Queensland-based transport operator, Followmont Transport.
The delivery of the first Volvo FH Electric comes as Queensland has announced it is opening access on vital freight corridors for electric vehicles. The announcement of the zero-emissions heavy vehicle road network for South East Queensland, will increase steer-axle mass allowances to eight tonnes on the steer-axle and 18.5 tonnes on the drive-axles for battery electric heavy vehicles, which is a vital step to enable the roll out of heavy BEV transport om our roads.
Followmont Transport, which is a family-owned and operated company, said it welcomed this significant milestone marking apivotal moment in the company’s journey towards reducing its carbon footprint and embracing cleaner, greener transportationsolutions.
The FH Electric prime mover will be used on a variety of work including shuttling trailers between Followmont’s Eagle Farm depot, servicing major accounts around Brisbane and also running overnight linehaul to the company’s Toowoomba and Sunshine Coast depots.
The 540KwH, 666hp Volvo FH Electric prime mover is currently rated to 44 tonnes and has a range of up to 300 kilometres on a single charge according to Volvo.
Followmont has installed a 60kw charger on site at its head office for overnight charging and says it has plans to install charging solutions further afield as the company seeks to increase reach and range.
Managing director Followmont Transport, Mark Tobin said the company is thrilled to integrate electric trucks into its fleet, advancing its sustainability objectives and pioneering greener logistics solutions and is excited to receive the news that the road network is expanding to make the adoption of EV trucks easier.
“The investment in this truck reinforces our commitment to driving positive change and supporting a sustainable future for generations to come,” Tobin said.
“Together, we can drive positive change and build a cleaner, more sustainable future for the next generation,” he added.
Tobin says that Followmont intends to collaborate closely with its business partners to champion sustainable practices and drive meaningful change within the industry.
“Our key accounts are integral partners in this journey towards sustainability,” Tobin said.
As these electric trucks enter service, the company says it intends to showcase the vehicles to its key partners,providing customers and staff with firsthand electromobility experience.
Followmont has also signaled its intention to invest in electric vehicle competencies for staff providing in-house expertise for emerging technology.
Acknowledging that sustainability is a continuous learning journey, the company says it is committed to transparency and knowledge-sharing with its customers and team members.
President and CEO of Volvo Group Australia, Martin Merrick, saif this was a fantastic milestone to witness on the transformation journey.
“This truck is proof that there are plenty of transport applications that can be electrified right now, not at some distant point in the future,” said Merrick.
“Having partners like Followmont who are committed to joining us on our path to net zero is vital for us,” he added.
“The announcement from the Queensland government yesterday that axle mass weights will be raised for zero emission heavy vehicles in South East Queensland will make the move to battery electric a smoother transition for transport customers,” Martin Merrick concluded.
Followmont Transport says it’s adoption of electric trucks represents just one facet of the company’s sustainability strategy. The company says it remains committed to exploring innovative technologies and practices that minimise its environmental footprint, while delivering exceptional service to its customers.
“This delivery of Australia’s first heavy duty electric truck to our customer, Followmont, also carries the promise of innovation, efficiency, and a future where road transportation is environmentally sustainable and is a promise that VCV is proud to support,” said dealer principal of Volvo Commercial Vehicles, Greg Sargeant.
The Volvo FH Electric was first launched in Australia in 2023 and the company now claims to have an electric equivalent for every diesel truck in the Volvo range.
