Bunnings & Beer Delivered Electrically

News

29 Mar

Bunnings is the place to go if you’re after battery powered tools. Now they have a couple of rechargeable electric tools of their own in the form of two Linfox Fuso eCanters.

In a first, the all-electric Fuso eCanters will deliver home and lifestyle products to local stores in Melbourne’s southwest and will be powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity.

“As leading Australian retailers continue to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources, Linfox is proud to support our customers’ ambitious sustainability targets,” said Executive Chairman Linfox Pty Ltd, Peter Fox. “Act Sustainably is a key strategic driver in our Leading the Way 2025 business strategy, and this includes a growing fleet of electric vehicles replacing diesel powered vehicles on suburban transport routes. Supply chain partners have an important role to play in the transition to renewable energy and the action we take now will determine our future and the future of generations to come.”

The electric vehicles form part of Bunnings’ sustainability strategy with a pledge to reach net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030. The trial will assist Bunnings to assess methods of transitioning to lower emissions transport in its supply chain in the future.

Built by Daimler Truck, the Fuso eCanter will recharge using a rapid charger at Bunnings’ Laverton distribution centre.

Another division of Linfox. BevChain, has also introduced all-electric powered vehicles to the Lion transport fleet – again in the form of the Fuso eCanter.

The trucks will deliver kegs and packaged Tooheys New beer to pubs, bars, and clubs in metropolitan Sydney.

BevChain President, Misha Shliapnikoff said the truck’s operation is underpinned by BevChain and parent company Linfox Logistics’ Leading the Way 2025 business strategy, as the transport and distribution leader strives to Act Sustainably through the GreenFox program.

“BevChain is excited to introduce the first electric truck for Lion. This truck will be powered by clean energy from our automated distribution centre, which is situated strategically next to the Lion brewery in Auburn, NSW. As Lion’s logistics partner, we’re committed to working with Lion to reduce carbon emissions and meet our shared sustainability targets.”

The electric vehicle supports Lion’s sustainability goals, which in 2020 became Australia’s first Climate Active accredited carbon neutral brewer and has committed to achieving a net zero value chain by 2050.

Lion Australia Managing Director, David Smith said collaboration across industry was key to ensuring the simple joy of having a beer at the pub can be enjoyed by everyone for generations to come.

“From the farm to the brewery to the road and then the pub or bottle shop, we are looking at all the ways we can minimise our carbon footprint and meet our 2050 goal,” he said.

Daimler Truck and Bus Australia Pacific President and CEO, Daniel Whitehead, said he was thrilled to see the Fuso eCanter going to work for Linfox and Lion.

“The Fuso eCanter is a pioneering electric truck but it is more than a statement, it is a real workhorse that can get the job done in near silence while producing zero emissions,” he said.

Linfox and BevChain will operate six electric vehicles for major customers across Victoria and New South Wales by March 2022.