Toll Group has announced a significant $200 million investment in renewing 25% of its Australian fleet, marking a strong step towards improving emissions, efficiency, and safety. This initiative is part of the company’s commitment to supporting Australian customers with state-of-the-art transport solutions.
Renewing the Fleet for a Greener Future
The fleet upgrade includes nearly 400 Euro 6 standard prime movers and 20 rigid vehicles, developed in collaboration with Penske, Volvo Group Australia, and Isuzu. Shaun O’Flaherty, Toll’s General Manager of Global Fleet Management, emphasised the environmental and operational benefits of the renewal.
“Our new fleet will feature the latest Euro 6 engines with improved fuel efficiency, reducing emissions by 5-10%,” Mr O’Flaherty said. These vehicles also include advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warnings, driver fatigue cameras, and onboard telematics, significantly enhancing driver comfort and safety.
Deliveries of these new vehicles will begin in October 2024, with further upgrades planned for Toll’s operations in Asia, reinforcing the company’s sustainability strategy.
Expanding the Electric Fleet with ARENA’s Support
In addition to the fleet renewal, Toll Group is investing $67 million to introduce 28 battery electric heavy vehicles and establish 30 charging ports across its facilities and customer sites. Supported by a $9 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) under its Driving the Nation Program, this project will add 10 Volvo FM electric prime movers and 18 Volvo FE electric rigids to Toll’s fleet.
The rollout, beginning in February 2025, will abate an estimated 1,810 tonnes of CO2 annually, cementing Toll’s position as a leader in decarbonising Australia’s third-party logistics sector. Key customers, including Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Woolworths, Bluescope, and Origin Energy, will benefit from the integration of these electric vehicles.
Toll Group Managing Director Alan Beacham hailed the project as one of Australia’s largest corporate investments in heavy electric vehicles. “This investment reflects our commitment to optimising the sustainability of our operations while supporting our customers in decarbonising their supply chains,” he said.
Overcoming Challenges and Leading the Way
ARENA CEO Darren Miller acknowledged the challenges faced by the heavy vehicle sector, such as high upfront costs, infrastructure hurdles, and limited real-world data. Despite these obstacles, Mr Miller stressed the importance of focusing on heavy transport, which contributes significantly to Australia’s emissions.
“Toll’s project will deliver invaluable insights into electric truck integration, covering aspects such as energy requirements, route planning, and payload management,” Mr Miller said. Collaboration with RMIT University will further enhance the sector’s understanding of electrification, with findings shared to support industry advancement.
Balancing Transition Strategies
While electrification remains a core focus, Toll is also prioritising immediate emissions reductions by investing in fuel-efficient vehicles. Mr Beacham remarked.
“Fully transitioning to electric isn’t feasible overnight. By combining electrification with these efficient models, we are reducing our environmental impact while supporting our customers.”
Toll’s multi-faceted approach highlights its dedication to creating a sustainable logistics future, ensuring that both environmental and operational goals are met. With significant investments and partnerships in place, the company is leading the way in transforming Australia’s transport sector.
