In an historic first Australia’s most iconic beer will commence being transported in a new Volvo FL all-electric truck which is the first electric vehicle in the Linfox fleet.
The VB-liveried truck is the first mass-produced electric truck of its size in Australia and one of over 50 Volvo FL all-electric trucks delivered globally to date.
The electric FL will deliver more than 100,000 cans and stubbies each week from Asahi Beverages’ distribution centre in Melbourne’s west to bottle shops and beer lovers across the city.
In another boost for sustainability, the truck will be powered entirely by 100 per cent offset solar power drawn from Asahi Beverages’ solar farm near Mildura in northern Victoria. The truck is the latest sustainability initiative from VB, which has been brewed with 100 per cent offset solar electricity since 2020.
Group CEO of Asahi Beverages, which purchased Carlton & United Breweries last year, Robert Iervasi said: “Linfox has delivered VB for more than 50 years. It’s fitting these two Australian icons are taking this major step towards a sustainable future together. This truck will deliver VB and our other beers in a sustainable, safe and efficient way, which makes sound commercial sense.
“It is the first of many electric trucks that will deliver our beer. Transitioning our deliveries to electric vehicles will help us achieve our ambitious sustainability goals of reducing our net carbon emissions across our entire supply chain by 30 per cent by 2030 and to zero by 2050.”
The electric Volvo FL can travel up to 250km before it needs recharging.
Linfox Executive Chairman Peter Fox said: “Australia’s domestic freight task has doubled in the past decade and will continue to grow. To meet this demand, Australia’s road fleet will also grow and it is essential the fleet does this safely, efficiently and with reduced environmental impact.