Australia Post has unveiled its first heavy-duty large electric truck and announced a new renewable partnership with Ampol, as it steps up its commitment to sustainable logistics.
The new Merceded-Benz eActros, manufactured by Daimler Truck, produces zero tailpipe emissions, offers advanced safety features and is quieter and more efficient, which makes it well suited to urban and regional environments.
Australia Post’s general manager, network assets and implementation, Mitch Buxton, said the eActros is an important step in understanding how large electric vehicles can be integrated into the organization’s operations.
“Trialling the eActros will give us valuable insights into how heavy-duty electric vehicles can perform across our network. We’ve been investing in electric delivery vehicles for more than a decade, and this is the next step in building a cleaner, smarter and more resilient fleet for the future,” he said. “Introducing electric trucks is not without its challenges, from charging infrastructure to range and load capacity – but it’s a challenge we are excited to take on.”
Australia Post has also partnered with Ampol to supply five million liters of Amplify Diesel R10, consisting of a 10% blend of renewable diesel, to its Redbank Parcel Facility in Brisbane. The renewable diesel will be used in the site’s existing truck fleet of 89 vehicles over the next year, reducing lifecycle emissions without requiring engine modifications.
“We know there’s no single path to decarbonizing a fleet of our size and scale. That’s why we’re exploring a range of cleaner alternatives, from electric vehicles to renewable diesel to find the best mix to support the size of our operations. Each step helps us learn, adapt and keep driving on our path to target net zero emissions by 2050,” said Buxton.
Brad Phillips, Ampol general manager B2B, said that Ampol is proud of the role it continues to play in supporting customers as their transportation energy priorities evolve: “Renewable diesel has the potential to lower fuel lifecycle emissions as its manufactured from renewable feedstocks such as canola or waste products and is a logical solution for hard to abate industries where fleet or infrastructure changes are not required. We’re excited to support Australia Post in their journey through the energy transition.”
These initiatives form part of Australia Post’s broader sustainability commitment which includes targeting net zero by 2050.
In related news, Amazon accelerates UK fleet electrification with record eHGV rollout