Australian supermarket chain Coles has partnered with transport partner Linfox Logistics to pilot an electric-powered truck to deliver stock to stores in New South Wales (NSW).
The trial is a ‘significant step’ in the retailer’s sustainability strategy and efforts to reduce its carbon footprint in collaboration with transport partners.
Go deeper with GlobalData
The new Fuso eCanter truck is powered entirely by renewable electricity and will reduce Coles’ carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions by more than 60t a year.
The retailer is using the electric truck to deliver groceries from its Eastern Creek Distribution Centre in Sydney to Coles and Coles Local supermarkets in NSW.
Coles supply chain transport safety and sustainability head David Clark said: “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.
“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.”
Linfox Logistics executive chairman Peter Fox said: “Working in partnership with a trusted Australian retailer such as Coles, which connects customers with products from thousands of farmers and suppliers, is where the switch to electric vehicles can make the biggest difference.”
As part of its Together to Zero strategy, Coles aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and source all its electricity from renewable sources by the end of the fiscal year 2025 (FY25).
The retailer had installed electric-charging stations at 12 supermarket sites, as well as two additional Coles Express sites, as of the end of the fiscal year 2021 (FY21).
Last month, Coles partnered with drone delivery service provider Wing to pilot drone grocery deliveries in Canberra, Australia.
