Coles has hit the road in NSW using an electric powered truck to deliver stock to stores under a trial with transport partner Linfox Logistics.
The Fuso eCanter truck is powered entirely by 100 per cent renewable electricity and delivers groceries from Coles’ Eastern Creek Distribution Centre in Sydney’s west to a number of Coles and Coles Local supermarkets in New South Wales.
The electric truck, a first for Coles, will avoid more than 60 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions each year.
David Clark, Head of Transport Safety & Sustainability – Supply Chain, said the electric truck trial demonstrates how Coles could win together with transport partners to reduce its carbon footprint.
“Coles’ first electric truck is a big step to introducing alternate fuel technologies to our supply chain, and we are excited about the opportunity to see more electric vehicles delivering groceries to our distribution centres and supermarkets in the future,” he said.
Clark said Coles sought supplier partners that aligned with its sustainability values, and noted Linfox was a natural fit for the electric truck project.
“We are proud to be working with Linfox Logistics to deliver Coles’ first electric truck. We are excited to see how electric truck technology evolves and are eager to continue working with Linfox to discover ways to reduce emissions in our supply chain through alternate fuel technologies.
“We will continue to work tirelessly toward our Together to Zero sustainability ambitions, with hopes to one day introduce electric vehicles to support home delivery, as customers look to live and shop sustainably.”
Coles customers with electric vehicles can also enjoy the benefits and convenience of charging their cars while they shop at some Coles supermarket and Coles Express sites.
At the end of FY21, Coles had delivered electric-charging stations at 12 supermarket sites, and two additional Coles Express sites.