First Electric Vehicle, Iconic Australian Retailer Coles adds eCanter to its fleet

The electric Fuso eCanter will be the first electric truck for iconic Australian retailer, Coles through its supply chain partner Linfox Logistics.

The zero emission Fuso is an important step towards Linfox and Coles’ shared sustainability goals, highlighted by Linfox’s ‘Act Sustainably’ strategic promise, along with Coles’ ‘Together to Zero’ strategy.

The Fuso eCanter will service several Coles stores in New South Wales, loading products from the Eastern Creek Distribution Centre for delivery to Coles supermarkets and new format Coles Local stores. The emission-free Fuso eCanter will be powered entirely by 100 per cent offset solar power.

“As a leading logistics provider that has traditionally relied on fossil fuels to transport goods, Linfox has made a commitment to find alternative sources of energy to power our customers’ supply chains,” says Executive Chairman Linfox Pty Ltd, Peter Fox.
“Working in partnership with a trusted Australian retailer such as Coles, that connects customers with products from thousands of farmers and suppliers, is where the switch to electric vehicles can make the biggest difference.”

National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) CEO Sal Petroccitto says this electric vehicle trial aligns with the priorities outlined in the NHVR’s Safety and Environmental Technology Uptake Plan.
“It’s fantastic to see Linfox and Coles leading the way and embracing new heavy vehicle technology to improve the sustainability of their operations,” Mr Petroccitto says. “The NHVR will continue to work with the industry to encourage further uptake of safer, cleaner and more efficient vehicles and technologies in the national heavy vehicle fleet to ensure a sustainable national road transport task into the future.”

The Fuso eCanter is the only electric truck currently available in Australia that features active safety features such as Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS), a feature that is increasingly valued by employers looking to best protect workers. 

Daimler Truck and Bus Australia Pacific President and CEO, Daniel Whitehead, welcomes the addition of the Fuso eCanter to the Linfox Coles fleet. “Linfox and Coles have long relied on the regular Fuso Canter to deliver for Australians and we know they will love the pioneering electric eCanter technology,” he said.
“We are excited that these two iconic Australian companies have chosen the Fuso eCanter to help them move towards a zero emissions future,” Mr Whitehead concluded.