A federal government renewable energy grant has allowed Team Global Express to launch a number of new zero emissions trucks, debuting a new electric fleet.

The logistics company launched 43 new trucks this week, which were purchased as a part of the $20.1 million of funding provided through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). The full order consists of 36 Volvo FL Electrics and 24 Fuso eCanters.

Team Global Express will be replacing a third of its Western Sydney fleet with the new electric trucks, delivering parcels to its customers around the area.

TGE Group CEO Christine Holgate says that lowering the 19 per cent of emissions that transport accounts for in Australia is an important goal for the company.

“Team Global Express is proud to roll out an electric vehicle trial of this scale and support our industry and country’s renewable energy transition ambitions,” she says.

“As part of our partnership with ARENA, we will be sharing the knowledge we gain from the trial with other industry providers to benefit the entire sector.

“At the time of placing our order with Volvo, we held the record for the largest order of medium duty electric vehicles the company had received globally. We are thrilled that these trucks are on Sydney roads delivering parcels directly to residential and commercial customers.”

TGE has recently upgraded its Bungarribee facility to incorporate EV charging infrastructure in order to accomodate the new arrivals. It is powered by a 1 MW battery storage system that uses 400 kW of energy from onsite solar panels.

Image: Team Global Express/Supplied

Albanese hopes that deliveries like this one will see more companies turn to zero emissions.

“We already have thousands of electric buses and electric cars on the road. This Australian-first project will help modernise our truck fleet, cut down on emissions, save fuel costs and reduce air pollution,” he says.

“This also delivers on our election commitment through the Driving the Nation Fund into cutting transport emissions and rolling out charging infrastructure across Australia.

“We pride ourselves on working with companies like Team Global Express and Volvo to seize the opportunities that come with embracing electric heavy vehicles.”

The Western Sydney location was carefully chosen to suit the customers that TGE serves, says director of ESG Heather Bone.

“We are delighted to unveil Team Global Express’ Depot of the Future and begin servicing the Western Sydney community with deliveries driven by electric vehicles,” she says.

“Bungarribee now houses advanced charging infrastructure fuelled by solar energy, enabling our new trucks to be recharged and back on the streets in as little as two hours if required.

“We’ve also used this trial as an opportunity to upskill a number of our female employees and support them in getting their heavy vehicle driving licences; so they too can enjoy driving our new electric trucks.”

Volvo global CEO Martin Lundstedt was on hand to congratulate TGE on the handover.

“It is a privilege to witness projects such as this come to life around the globe and I’m very happy to be here in person to see this site in operation,” he says.

“Partnerships like the one we have with Team Global Express are vital as the world continues on its zero emissions journey.

“I congratulate all involved for their dedication towards making our cities a better place to live and for taking a positive step towards the future of our planet.”