Coles is using an electric-powered truck to deliver stock to New South Wales stores under a trial being undertaken with transport partner Linfox Logistics.
The Fuso eCanter truck is powered entirely by 100% renewable electricity, and delivers groceries from Coles' Eastern Creek Distribution Centre in Sydney's west to a number of Coles and Coles Local supermarkets in New South Wales.
The electric truck, a first for Coles, will avoid more than 60 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions each year1.
David Clark, Head of Transport Safety & Sustainability – Supply Chain, said the electric truck trial was a significant step in Coles' Sustainability Strategy, and demonstrated how Coles 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," Mr Clark said.
"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 said 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. 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."
Linfox Logistics Executive Chairman Peter Fox said: "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."
Coles customers with electric vehicles can also enjoy the benefits and convenience of charging 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.
Through Coles' Together to Zero strategy, the supermarket is committed to creating a greener future for generations to come through its ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, sourcing 100% renewable electricity by the end of FY25 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
