Coles is trialling its first electric-powered truck, a move that could avoid more than 60 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions each year.
In collaboration with the retailer’s transport partner Linfox Logistics, the Fuso eCanter truck is powered entirely by 100% renewable electricity. It is delivering groceries from Coles’ Eastern Creek Distribution Centre in Sydney’s west to a number of Coles and Coles Local supermarkets in NSW.
Coles Head of Transport Safety & Sustainability – Supply Chain David Clark says the trial is a significant step in the retailer’s sustainability strategy and demonstrates how it could win together with transport partners to reduce its carbon footprint.
“Coles’ first electric truck is a big step to introducing alternate fuel technologies to our supply chain, and we are excited about the opportunity to see more electric vehicles delivering groceries to our distribution centres and supermarkets in the future,” he says.
“By working with Linfox, we have considered the sustainability of the truck, from its carbon footprint when operating, to the end-of-lifecyle impacts on the environment.”
Mr Clark says Coles sought supplier partners who aligned with its sustainability values, and noted Linfox was a natural fit for the electric truck project.
“We are proud to be working with Linfox Logistics to deliver Coles’ first electric truck,” he says.
“We are excited to see how electric truck technology evolves and are eager to continue working with Linfox to discover ways to reduce emissions in our supply chain through alternate fuel technologies.
“We will continue to work tirelessly toward our Together to Zero sustainability ambitions, with hopes to one day introduce electric vehicles to support home delivery, as customers look to live and shop sustainably.”
Coles customers with electric vehicles can also charge their cars while they shop at some Coles supermarket and Coles Express sites. At the end of FY21, Coles had delivered electric-charging stations at 12 supermarket sites, and two additional Coles Express sites.
