Linfox is rolling out a fleet of heavy-duty electric trucks across Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide cutting diesel use, emissions and running costs on some of the country’s busiest freight routes.   

The logistics company is putting the first of 26 battery-powered prime movers into service on heavy-hauling duties, including food and beverage distribution and integrated rail transport.  

The trucks will cover about 500km a day, replacing diesel trucks on existing freight routes from Linfox’s hubs in Laverton North, and then from Willawong and the Adelaide rail freight terminal once deployed. 

The project is backed by $19.63 million from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) through its Driving the Nation Program, which includes targeted funding for heavy battery electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.  

Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen says the new electric truck fleet will help cut diesel bills, lower transport emissions and prove heavy haulage has a strong electric future.  
“This investment in electric trucks, fast chargers and onsite solar systems could deliver the biggest cut to Linfox’s fuel use, emissions and running costs in its seven-decade history,” he says.  

“When Linfox put in the biggest order for electric trucks in Australia, it was already the best decision for the future of the business and the 24,000 people it employs.  

“And while governments across Australia continue to secure Australia’s supply of diesel and exhaust fluid, Linfox has taken a huge step to secure its energy security and consistently low running costs – today and for decades to come.” 

This announcement is in addition to $70 million to help more drivers drive Volvo heavy EVs and support skilled jobs in Volvo’s truck manufacturing plant in Queensland, through the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC).