Truck maker Volvo is claiming strong driver acceptance for its FL Electric in Australia, after logging up around 6,000 km over seven months operating with transport giant Linfox.
The Volvo FL Electric, which is the first Volvo of its type to take to Australian roads, has consumed around 5,200 kw/hours so far while operating for Linfox division, BevChain, operating out of its distribution centre in Melbourne’s outer west.
Rob Smith, the long serving Linfox driver who has been driving the FL Electric has given the truck a thumbs up saying he enjoys his days behind the wheel of the electric Volvo.
Smith says he pilots the Electric truck across a variety of routes around Melbourne delivering Victoria Bitter and other Asahi Beverages beer brands to pubs, restaurants and bottle shops.
Smith clearly enjoys the job saying he loves the freedom, and meeting people.
“The truck itself is actually quite peaceful to drive, in some ways it’s just like any other truck but in others it’s smoother, quieter, it’s enjoyable,” Smith said.
“When I hop out of the truck, I don’t hear engine noise and I don’t have the fumes, none of that,” he added.
Smith reckons the truck certainly attracts its fair share of attention and he gets a lot more eye contact on the road as people look at it.
“It’s great, I get a lot of questions and everyone wants to know where
the batteries are, people are very interested in the lack of noise and how far it goes, is it good to drive, things like that,” the driver said
“This truck’s doing well – it’s doing the job of a diesel truck. Trucks like this one are the future,” he added.
“You can’t get a much better voice of authority than the end user of the product,” said Volvo Group Australia’s vice president, emerging technologies Paul Illmer.
“We can continue to point out the real-world benefits of zero emissions vehicles, but it’s ultimately the people that interact with this vehicle on a daily basis that will help educate others to their advantages.”
“A smooth drivetrain, lack of fumes and noise create a calmer work environment,” he continues, “but it’s also the flow-on benefits to society as a whole that will drive towards a future of cleaner, quieter cities.”
“This truck represents the thin end of the wedge on our zero emissions journey in Australia, and that journey is accelerating faster than many can imagine.”
“Linfox is thrilled to see this new electric vehicle inspiring positive conversations as we lead the way in sustainable transport,” said executive chairman Linfox, Peter Fox.
“The benefits are coming to life right throughout our community.” “Our skilled drivers are at the wheel of a new age; our customers are enjoying more sustainable logistics solutions and people on our streets are starting to see the everyday benefits of zero emission vehicles,” Fox said.
