McDonald’s Australia has partnered with long-term supply chain partner, Martin Brower, to put an electric Volvo FL fridge truck into service around Sydney.
The eight pallet electric truck will transport 4.6 tonnes of McDonald’s products from its Wetherill Park distribution centre to nearby restaurants, working seven days a week.
This is the first Volvo electric fridge truck to operate in New South Wales, featuring a 265kWh energy capacity across four batteries and a range of up to 230 kilometres, set to be charged at the Martin Bower warehouse in Wetherill Park between shifts.
“It’s fantastic to join forces with Martin Brower on our fossil-free transport journey,” VCV Australia Dealer Principle, Greg Sargeant said.
“Working alongside companies that reflect not only our core values but also our mission is extremely rewarding.
“Our challenge is to move the world we want to live in and I’m pleased to partner with another global business, acting locally to make a difference in Australia’s largest city.”
Martin Brower operates a fleet of approximately 200 vehicles that cover more than 150,000 kilometres each week to deliver products and stock to McDonald’s restaurants across the country.
“We are excited to take the wheel of our first fully electric truck in Australia,” Martin Brower Managing Director, Scott Hanigan said.
“This will enable the local team to better understand the impacts and benefits of an electric fleet, and how we can grow this offering to decarbonise deliveries and achieve our collective emission reduction goals.”
The truck made its first delivery to McDonald’s Wetherill Park restaurant on 21 June with special guest, The Hon. Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy, in the passenger seat.
“These trucks are great for the climate, great for the drivers and great for the customers,” Mr Bowen said.
“As a Western Sydney resident, I see many trucks driving through our community making deliveries.
“I congratulate McDonald’s and Martin Brower on making their first EV purchase which will increase driver and customer satisfaction.”
This is the first phase of electric truck trials for McDonald’s and Martin Brower, who will review the efficiency and impact of the truck to inform vehicle purchasing decisions from 2025 and beyond.
With zero tailpipe emissions, the truck emits no harmful pollutants during operation, improving air quality, reducing fuel consumption and reducing noise in local neighbourhoods.
McDonald’s is committed to reducing emissions by 50% across its restaurants, offices and supplier facilities, including logistics in partnership with Martin Brower, by 2030, as well as achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
“McDonald’s is committed to working with its suppliers like Martin Brower, to find innovative ways to reduce emissions across its supply chain,” McDonald’s Australia Senior Director of Supply Chain, Tom Mahony said.
“Martin Brower plays a critical role in delivering over six million kilograms of Macca’s items, including Aussie produce and ingredients, to over 1,000 restaurants across the country per week.
“Adding an electric truck to our fleet of restaurant delivery vehicles will allow us to gain meaningful insights and experience in operating electric vehicles and understand the role they could play in the future.
“This is the first step towards reducing our transport emissions, in partnership with Martin Brower, and continuing to find ways to minimise our environmental impact across our supply chain.”
