Woolworths' refrigerated electric truck hits the road

As part of a trial to reduce its carbon impact, Primary Connect, Woolworths Group’s supply chain arm, has partnered with Linfox to introduce an electric truck in Melbourne. Woolworths Group is working to reduce its carbon emissions by a substantial amount before 2030 and to become net carbon positive by 2050. In introducing more electric vehicles it will be able to reduce the carbon footprint of its fleet.

The refrigerated truck, one of only two Volvo FL Electrics in Australia, will be seen rolling through Melbourne’s streets as it transports perishable goods in a carbon friendly way. It is Primary Connect’s third electric vehicle.

The vehicle will be dressed in the expected Woolworths-green livery and will travel between Primary Connect’s Fresh Distribution Centre and supermarkets around the metro area to deliver food.

It can carry up to eight pallets of produce, which results in around four tonnes of goods being transported each trip. It has a range of 200 kilometres on a single charge and its regenerative charging means that it can recharge when travelling downhill or when it brakes.

Woolworths has expressed confidence in the new truck and says that it is monitoring the ways in which electric vehicles can be used in the supply chain to assist in shifting to a lower carbon future.