The first Volvo FH Electric sold in Australia was recently delivered to Queensland-based Followmont Transport.
Followmont Transport will use the FH Electric to shuttling trailers between its Eagle Farm depot, servicing major accounts around Brisbane and running overnight to the Sunshine Coast.
The 666hp FH Electric prime mover is currently rated to 44 tonnes and has a range of up to 300 kilometres powered by a 540KwH battery.
A 60kW charger has been installed on site at Followmont head office for overnight charging, with plans to install charging solutions further afield as the company seeks to increase reach and range.
The delivery coincides with the announcement of a zero-emissions heavy vehicle road network for South East Queensland, which will increase steer axle mass allowances to 8.0-tonnes on the steer axle and 18.5 tons on the drive axles for battery electric heavy vehicles.
“We are thrilled to integrate electric trucks into our fleet, advancing our sustainability objectives and pioneering greener logistics solutions and are excited to receive the news that our road network is expanding to make the adoption of EV trucks easier,” said Followmont Transport Director Mark Tobin.
“The investment in this truck reinforces our commitment to driving positive change and supporting a sustainable future for generations to come.
“Together, we can drive positive change and build a cleaner, more sustainable future for the next generation.”
Volvo Trucks Australia President Martin Merrick says the delivery marks a key milestone in the electrification of Australia’s transport industry, also commending the Government’s axle weight increase
“What a fantastic milestone to witness on our transformation journey,” said Mr Merrick.
“The announcement from the Queensland government yesterday that axle mass weights will be raised for zero emission heavy vehicles in South East Queensland will make the move to battery electric a smoother transition for transport customers.”
The Volvo FH Electric was launched in Australia in 2023, but until the recent axle weight increase it was not permitted to operate on public roads outside of initial trials.
