First heavy-duty Volvo BEV truck hits the road

QUEENSLAND-BASED Followmont Transport has taken delivery of a Volvo FH Electric, marking the first bought-and-paid-for heavy-duty electric truck to hit Australian roads.

The keys to the FH Electric changed hands at an event in Brisbane earlier this month, alongside the delivery of a smaller FL Electric, ahead of their on-road debut operating out of Followmont Transport’s Eagle Farm depot.

The FH Electric produces 666hp and offers a 300km range, powered by a 540kWh battery with DC fast charging capabilities, which will be replenished using a 60kW charger installed at Followmont Transport's Eagle Farm depot.

“This truck is proof that there are plenty of transport applications that can be electrified right now, not at some distant point in the future,” said Volvo Group Australia president Martin Merrick.

“Having partners like Followmont who are committed to joining us on our path to net zero is vital for us.”

The family-owned business placed the order back in 2022, looking to decarbonise its large fleet of trucks through the use of zero-emission transport solutions, beating other large transport companies to the punch.

“We are thrilled to integrate electric trucks into our fleet, advancing our sustainability objectives and pioneering greener logistics solutions,” said Followmont Transport managing director Mark Tobin.

“The investment in this truck reinforces our commitment to driving positive change and supporting a sustainable future for generations to come. Together, we can drive positive change and build a cleaner, more sustainable future for the next generation.”

According to Followmont Transport the heavy-duty FH Electric will be hooked up to a single trailer and tasked with shuttling overnight Linehaul to the company’s Sunshine Coast depots, while the smaller FL will service the northern suburbs of Brisbane.

All systems go

Up until this point, heavy-duty electric trucks were not permitted to operate outside of various trials taking place across the country, due to higher axle weights that fell outside of the nation-wide 6.5-tonne.

Serendipitously, the Queensland Government announced a new Zero Emission Heavy Vehicle Map just 24 hours after the handover, permitting steer axle weights of up to 8.0-tonnes for battery-electric trucks. 

Volvo Trucks Australia was pivotal in pursuing the increase in axle weight limits, wanting approval to not only operate its heavy-duty electric trucks locally but also build them here too.

“This announcement will allow the full range of Volvo’s electric heavy vehicles to operate on Queensland roads, which is a major win for the people of Queensland,” said Mr Merrick.

“We now also have the green light to invest even further in Queensland manufacturing. Last year I announced our intention to build battery electric trucks at our Wacol manufacturing facility, today I can confirm that intention can now be made reality.”

The new access map is part of a staged approach by the Queensland government which plans to continue assessing state-controlled roads suitable for the higher axle weight loads, while working with industry to facilitate access to essential supply chain linkages.