First Volvo FL electric truck to enter service on NZ roads

Date: 20.12.2022

Fonterra and Volvo debut new electric truck

In mid-December 2022, a selected group of transport magazine writers was presented with the opportunity of not only viewing but to also getting behind the wheel of the first Volvo FL electric truck to enter service on New Zealand roads.

The launch was hosted by Volvo Trucks NZ and its parent company Sime Darby Motors NZ, in conjunction with Fonterra, who say the launch at their Fonterra’s New Zealand distribution centre in Māngere is a celebration of a six-month trial of the Volvo FL electric truck.

Fonterra says the event marked the next step — plans to decarbonise its fleet, being one of a number of initiatives that’s helping the cooperative become a leader in sustainability.

Special guest, Paul IIlmer, VP emerging technology business development, Volvo Group Australia presented at the event, alongside Fonterra managing director, Brett Henshaw and Sime Darby Motors NZ managing director, Pat McKenna.

Paul said the actual truck is only part of the solution when it comes to New Zealand’s transition to sustainable transport, adding that tools, expertise, and infrastructure are essential to deliver operational peace of mind for New Zealand transport companies as they make the shift to e-mobility.

He emphasised that selecting the right model and specification for both application and route is critical, as is driver training, specialist aftersales support and charging infrastructure.

The presentation was followed by a ‘live’ experience of how the FL electric truck drives in the real world, courtesy of a well-plotted route, which took in several suburban streets and a short drive on the motorway.

See the next issue of Deals on Wheels (#359) for the full report.

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