Coles has welcomed its first ever electric prime mover, taking delivery of a new Volvo FH in partnership with Linfox to add to its delivery fleet.

The truck is already being put to work, helping to deliver groceries to hundreds of stores across Victoria.

Coles and Volvo say the prime mover will save more than 65 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year compared to a regular diesel-powered prime mover, which is the equivalent of removing 15 cars from the road.

It is expected to make 25 trips per week from Coles’ Victorian Distribution Centre to stores across every state.

Coles Chief Operations and Sustainability Officer Matt Swindells says this is a big step forward in Coles’ decarbonisation plan as it looks to reduce its Scope 3 emissions.

Image: Martin KEEP/Coles

“We’re excited to welcome our first EV prime mover to our network which is currently doing about 25 deliveries from our Distribution Centre in Victoria each week to hundreds of stores across the state,” he says.

“Not only will it prevent more than 65 tonnes of CO2 emissions every year, or the equivalent of removing 15 cars from our roads, it will save approximately 25,000 litres of fuel annually and is quieter to run, meaning reduced noise pollution for our customers.

“Linfox has been an early adopter of EV transport technology, and we’re pleased to be partnering with them to lower emissions on our roads, as well as in our supply chain, and contribute to driving change in the industry.”

Image: Martin KEEP/Coles

Linfox CEO Australia and New Zealand Mark Mazurek adds that it similarly goes towards Linfox achieving its zero emissions goals.

“Linfox is proud to work with Coles to reduce our carbon footprint. Without their commitment to sustainability and adaptability, this wouldn’t be possible,” he says.

“This fully electric prime mover is charged on site and is at the forefront of automotive technology. Over the past two years we’ve worked with Coles, government and agencies to bring it to our roads, and we’re proud to be leading the industry towards a more sustainable future.”