Toll Group has announces the next phase of its $67 million investment in sustainable transport solutions across Australia, with the deployment of a new fleet of electric rigid trucks in partnership with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners.
A total of 12 Volvo FE battery electric rigids has been launched across Toll’s network and will replace existing diesel trucks in CCEP’s national delivery network.
Toll says these rigids offer a quieter and lower-emission solution for beverage distribution, without compromising reliability, safety, or customer excellence.
Each vehicle has a 12-pallet capacity and a range of up to 270kms on a singe charge and are designed for multiple deliveries across key metropolitan routes.
It is claimed that the new fleet will collectively reduce an estimated 283 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
The new Volvo electric trucks will operate from Coca Cola’s distribution centres in Botany and Eastern Creek in Sydney, Richlands in Brisbane and Hazelmere in Perth, and will be supported by site-specific charging infrastructure ranging from 30kW to 60kW dual outlet charging stations.
Coca Cola has co-invested in these facilities, reinforcing its commitment to the transition to electric truck technology.
Tthe electric rigids, beyond the environmental benefits, are equipped with advanced safety systems and technology to protect drivers, enhance service delivery performance, and support community safety
This initiative marks the next phase of Toll’s broader $67 million investment in battery electric heavy vehicles and charging infrastructure, co-funded by ARENA through its ‘Driving the Nation’ program.
Toll admits that ARENA’s support has been instrumental in enabling it to progress this initiative.
In total 28 EVs will be launched with Toll customers over the coming months, claiming to be Australia’s largest deployment of battery electric heavy trucks in the third-party sector.
Toll’s president of retail and consumer, Nick Vrckovski, said, the company proud to have CCEP take part in its national electric heavy vehicle program.
“Coke’s support is another key milestone in our 25 year plus partnership, as we work together to reduce emissions, improve safety, and meet the high standards our customers expect,” Vrckovski said.
Coke’s director of Logistics Phillip Parsons said the initiative supports its ongoing commitment to working with suppliers to build a sustainable, resilient, and low-carbon supply chain.
“Our investment in these 12 new electric rigids along with dedicated charging infrastructure across our facilities, reflects our long-term commitment to building a more sustainable beverage distribution network,” Parsons said.
“With one of the most extensive logistics footprints in the country, we are proud to deliver beverages that are made in Australia to our customers reliably, safely, and efficiently – and now more sustainably,” he added.
“Partnering with Toll on this roll out is another meaningful step in our journey toward achieving net zero emissions by 2040, working collaboratively with suppliers to drive sustainable solutions across our entire value chain,” he said.
Toll said that insights from the program will contribute to broader industry knowledge on energy usage, route planning, and vehicle performance, and support the long-term transition to low-emissions freight transport in Australia.
