Logistics provider GEODIS has partnered with Volvo Australia to launch a pilot programme of electric trucks for freight forwarding in Australia.
The partnership aims to provide more sustainable delivery solutions to customers by using Volvo’s Fully Electric (FE) variant trucks.
The FE trucks, powered by solar energy and energy-efficient charging systems from ABB, can transport heavy loads of up to 7,500 kilogrammes for 200 kilometres within metropolitan areas.
During the pilot programme, GEODIS will assess the suitability of the FE trucks for its fleet before rolling out the fully electric trucks on a larger scale.
The trucks’ integration is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 95 per cent compared to diesel vehicles.
In its effort to decarbonise the supply chain, GEODIS is building an ecosystem to optimise the use of future FE trucks, by training its drivers on electric-vehicle driving as well as designing route and load planning processes to ensure efficient asset utilisation.
The company has also installed solar panels and charging infrastructure across its facilities with the help of partners like Goodman Group to enable the electrification of its fleet.
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“This initiative serves not only as a testament to our long-standing relationship with Volvo but also to our collective vision to decarbonise the supply chain industry, even as we continue to expand our services to meet evolving customer needs,” said Stuart Asplet, Sub-Regional Managing Director, Pacific at GEODIS.
“We look forward to formalising many more of such milestones as we continue to take steps forward to reduce our impact on the environment.”
GEODIS is implementing other low-carbon transport solutions, including the use of rail, short sea shipping, and inland waterways, as well as optimising the volume and payload of its fleets.
The company has also launched its Sustainable Fuel Program to promote the use of alternative and renewable fuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).
The use of electric trucks is increasingly spreading across industry leaders, as terminal operator DP World recently announced the addition of three 40-tonne electric trucks to its German branch.
This makes it one of the first companies in the country to offer zero-emission door delivery via heavy-duty electric vehicles.
