EV delivery trucks in Western Sydney to deliver cuts to emissions

The largest adoption of EV trucks for deliveries in Western Sydney is being rolled out with the help of a grant from the Albanese Government, supporting business to lower emissions.

A $20.1 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has been awarded to Team Global Express (formerly Toll Global Express), to make metropolitan deliveries using EV trucks that will recharge when they return to base at Bungarribee in Western Sydney.

As well as 36 new medium and 24 light rigid battery electric trucks, Team Global Express’ $44.3 million project includes the establishment of charging and other site infrastructure to power nearly a third of its Sydney-based express parcels fleet based at the depot.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said back-to-base operations were a great way to decarbonise Australia’s heavier road vehicles.

“This is the largest adoption of battery electric trucks by a major logistics provider in Australia and a great example of ARENA’s work, together with industry, to reduce emissions,” Minister Bowen said.

“I live next door to the largest industrial estate in the southern hemisphere, and I’ve seen the level of exhaust that come from delivery trucks on the highways that cross Western Sydney. Moving to EV trucks will be a much-welcomed step for the community.

“At the same time, helping businesses save money on petrol costs can facilitate expansion and growth, which means more jobs for Western Sydney.

“The project will provide insights for the broader trucking industry and help build market confidence in the new technology so we could soon see more delivery trucks powered by batteries deployed more widely and quickly across the Australian economy.”

Heavy vehicles currently account for 22% of road transport emissions and are increasing. Financial support for adopting electric trucks will work to reduce emissions in the sector.

The Team Global Express project aligns with the identification of battery electric vehicles as suitable for back-to-base logistics in the National Electric Vehicle Strategy consultation paper.

It is estimated to create between 50 and 75 construction jobs, with current drivers retrained to use the heavy electric vehicles.

The Albanese Government’s $500 million commitment in the budget for the Driving the Nation Fund includes funding to establish a national EV charging network.