German owned logistics giant DHL has taken delivery of its first electric truck in Australia with the acquisition of a new Volvo FL Electric fitted with second-generation battery packs, with the updated power packs promising to provide an increase in range over the previous FL Electrics.
The new truck will be based at DHL’s western Sydney supply chain campus, with the medium-duty Volvo FL kicking off t DHL’s efforts to achieve its target of 60 per cent electric vehicles in its last-mile fleet in Australia by 2030.
The Volvo FL electric combines a 600-volt motor with a two-speed transmission and has a 5,500-kilogram payload. it has four 66 kWh Gen 2 battery packs provide power with charging times dependent on the duty cycle and chargers used, while a regenerative braking system and transmission tops up the FL’s batteries every time it decelerates.
the new DHL Volvo FL has a 300-kilometre range and will service various DHL Supply Chain customers with a tautliner van body capable of carrying eight full-sized pallets.
DHL Supply Chain CEO, Steve Thompsett, said that the company is pleased to take delivery of the Volvo FL, with its state-of-the-art technology, 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,” Thompsett said.
“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,” he said.
DHL Supply Chain senior vice president of Transport, Bill Rolfe, said the company’s launch of the Volvo FL Electric is in line with the company’s 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,” Mr Rolfe said.
Volvo Trucks vice president, Gary Bone, said he is pleased to see DHL Supply Chain 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,” he said.
“Drivers 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.”
