DHL Supply Chain Australia (DHL) has taken delivery of the first Volvo FM Electric prime mover in New South Wales. Adding to the company’s growing Electric Vehicle (EV) fleet, which includes Volvo and SEA Electric light duty trucks and Terberg yard tractors, the FM prime mover will run 10-hour shifts to move larger consignments between DHL’s western Sydney warehouse sites and its transport hub.
The 6×4 configuration features six batteries with 540 kWh (BOL) providing up to 666HP with 300-kilometre range and hauling up to 46 tonnes while emitting no carbon or particulate emissions from the vehicle.
The FM (Forward control Medium height cab) and DHL’s growing EV fleet allow DHL to offer customers zero tailpipe carbon emissions transport services in tandem with Green Star accredited warehousing – with rooftop solar arrays and sustainable building features – to minimise the total carbon emissions across logistics operations.
Further bolstering the DHL EV fleet, the company will also add 10 electric vans before the end of 2024 for delivering goods to retailers.
DHL Supply Chain Senior Vice President of Transport, Bill Rolfe, said the introduction of the Volvo FM is a direct result of the company’s Green Transport Policy which is driving EV acquisitions worldwide.
“We’re excited to continue with our rollout of EVs – fully funded by DHL – to pursue our global targets. While these targets are a part of our Strategy 2030 to be the “Green Logistics of Choice” ultimately, they are about providing the best outcomes for third-party logistics customers who are relying on the sustainability prowess of their suppliers,” said Rolfe.
“In addition to the lack of tailpipe emissions, these vehicles are also improving the amenity of the areas they pass through with no air pollution and relative silence, while also making for a safe working environment for our drivers.
“Partners such as DHL are proving that fossil free transport is not only possible, it’s viable,” said Tom Chapman, Vice President of Volvo Trucks Australia. “It’s businesses such as this that are paving the way towards a sustainable transport future and Volvo Trucks are proud to be a part of that journey.”
DHL Group recently announced “Green Logistics of Choice” as a new fourth bottom line, embedding sustainability firmly into its Corporate Strategy 2030. Supported by a clear roadmap with transparent, time-bound targets and KPIs integral to the Group’s strategic planning and decision-making processes, DHL aims to continue assisting its customers on their decarbonisation journey by remaining the frontrunner in low-carbon logistics operations.
