Last month Volvo Group Australia announced a landmark shift in local manufacturing, confirming it will produce the nation’s first-ever Australian-made heavy duty electric trucks at its Wacol facility in Brisbane from 2026. The announcement coincides with the largest delivery of heavy-duty electric trucks in Australian history – the handover of 10 Volvo electric trucks to logistics giant Linfox.
This historic move not only reinforces Volvo’s long-term commitment to Australian manufacturing, but also accelerates the shift toward decarbonised road freight, with the company now leading the charge to create a local electric truck manufacturing sector tailored to the unique conditions of Australian transport.
First Australian-Made Heavy Duty Electric Trucks
The delivery to Linfox forms part of a broader 30-truck order, comprising 29 FM Electrics and one FH Electric model. Of those, 10 units will be built in Australia and wear the iconic green and gold ‘Australian Made’ logo – a first for this segment.
“Today signifies not just the delivery of electric trucks, but the dawn of a new era for Australian manufacturing,” said Martin Lundstedt, President and CEO of Volvo Group at the announcement. “This landmark order from Linfox, coupled with our commitment to build a third of these electric vehicles right here in Australia, demonstrates our confidence in the local industry’s potential to lead the way in sustainable heavy transport.”
From Trials to Transformation
Linfox began trialling Volvo electric trucks in 2021 with two vehicles, before expanding to four in 2023. The success of these early deployments laid the foundation for the record-breaking order and the formal announcement of local manufacturing.
Volvo’s partnership with Linfox is a strategic one – combining a strong history of Australian operations with a shared focus on sustainability. “Linfox is excited to partner with Volvo in driving the future and leading sustainable logistics in Australia,” said Peter Fox AM, Executive Chairman of Linfox. “As a proud Australian company, it is our great pleasure to take ownership of the first Australian-made heavy duty electric vehicles.”
Supporting Local Jobs and Innovation
According to Martin Merrick, President of Volvo Group Australia, this initiative is a key pillar in Volvo’s long-term strategy for Australia. “We are dedicated to establishing a thriving electric truck manufacturing industry that will create skilled jobs, drive innovation, and accelerate the uptake of zero-emission transport solutions across the Australian road transport sector,” Merrick said.
Merrick also called on government at all levels to help accelerate industry adoption: “To assist the industry adopt low emission electric trucks, we would like to see all state and federal governments provide more accessible incentives for all businesses, especially small to medium enterprises, so they can follow in Linfox’s footsteps.”
Expanding Australia’s Manufacturing Capabilities
The decision to locally produce electric trucks builds on Volvo’s 50-year manufacturing legacy at Wacol. The move positions Australia at the forefront of a new wave of truck manufacturing, one that prioritises emissions reduction without sacrificing the power, range, and durability needed to service Australia’s vast freight networks.
This strategy aligns with Volvo Group’s global goals, including its commitment to net-zero emissions and sustainable transport solutions through both electric and alternative fuel platforms.
Industry Milestone Celebrated in Brisbane
The official handover of the ten FM Electric trucks was held at Linfox’s Willawong site in Brisbane. Volvo executives including Martin Lundstedt and Roger Alm (President of Volvo Trucks) travelled from Sweden for the event, joining Merrick and Fox in commemorating this dual milestone.
Their presence underscored the global importance of the announcement and the spotlight now shining on Australia’s role in the transition to cleaner heavy transport.
What This Means for the Industry
This initiative marks a shift in how zero-emission vehicles are supplied to the Australian market. With electric heavy vehicles now being assembled locally, fleet operators will benefit from:
- Reduced lead times for vehicle delivery
- Greater support through local engineering, parts, and service
- Supply chain resilience and job creation
- Access to locally made, ADR-compliant EV technology
It also sends a clear message to the wider road freight industry: zero-emission transport is no longer a future ambition – it is happening now, at scale, in Australia.
Fleet operators watching the transition from a distance may now see a clearer path forward. With global brands like Volvo backing local production and major players like Linfox proving the operational viability, the groundwork is being laid for more widespread EV adoption.
As Volvo begins building a local electric truck manufacturing capability, Australia takes a bold step toward reducing freight emissions while strengthening its manufacturing sector. With state and federal support, this milestone could spark broader momentum toward a cleaner and more resilient heavy vehicle industry.
