Team Global Express has officially unveiled Australia’s largest electric heavy vehicle fleet, following the arrival of new Volvo electric trucks at its depot in Bungarribee, Western Sydney.
The trial, a partnership between Team Global Express and Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), will see the firm replace a third of its Western Sydney fleet with 60 electric trucks.
ARENA awarded Team Global Express $20.1 million from its broader Driving the Nation funding package, to contribute to the $44.3 million project, first announced back in 2022.
Vehicle deliveries commenced shortly after the announcement and so far 43 out of the 60 trucks have arrived at the Bungarribee depot, ready to be put to work on Sydney streets.
In total 36 Volvo eFLs and 24 Fuso eCanters will be validated across the five-year trial, operating on a back-to-base model.
Team Global Express chose the Western Sydney location due to its strategic location, and has been busy installing charging infrastructure and battery storage at its ‘depot of the future’.
“We are delighted to unveil Team Global Express’ Depot of the Future and begin servicing the Western Sydney community with deliveries driven by electric vehicles,” said Team Global Express Director of ESG, Heather Bone.
“Bungarribee now houses advanced charging infrastructure fuelled by solar energy, enabling our new trucks to be recharged and back on the streets in as little as two hours if required.”
A 1MW battery energy storage system (BESS) is fed by 400kws of solar energy from on-site panels, enhancing the depot’s renewable energy capacity and reducing the firm’s reliance on grid power.
According to Team Global Express, the battery system was able to save an astonishing $7,300 in energy costs within the first hour of being switched on.
Team Global Express Group Chief Executive, Christine Holgate, says the trial is an important step towards addressing the emissions intensity of the transport sector – which accounts for 19 per cent of all emissions in Australia.
“Team Global Express is proud to roll out an electric vehicle trial of this scale and support our industry and country’s renewable energy transition ambitions,” said Ms Holgate.
“As part of our partnership with ARENA, we will be sharing the knowledge we gain from the trial with other industry providers to benefit the entire sector.”
Volvo Trucks Global President, Martin Lundstedt, joined Team Global Express executives at the Bungarribee depot of the future to celebrate the addition of the new Volvo eFL trucks.
“It is a privilege to witness projects such as this come to life around the globe and I’m very happy to be here in person to see this site in operation”, said Mr Lundstedt.
“Partnerships like the one we have with Team Global Express are vital as the world continues on its zero emissions journey.
“I congratulate all involved for their dedication towards making our cities a better place to live and for taking a positive step towards the future of our planet.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also attended, alongside Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen, celebrating the occasion as the new Volvo electric trucks were handed over.
“We already have thousands of electric buses and electric cars on the road,” Prime Minister Albanese said.
“This Australian-first project will help modernise our truck fleet, cut down on emissions, save fuel costs and reduce air pollution.
“This also delivers on our election commitment through the Driving the Nation Fund into cutting transport emissions and rolling out charging infrastructure across Australia.
“We pride ourselves on working with companies like Team Global Express and Volvo to seize the opportunities that come with embracing electric heavy vehicles,” he said.
