Volvo to trial electric heavy vehicles in Queensland

The Volvo Group has announced that it will trial heavy-duty battery electric heavy vehicles in Australia, with Queensland playing an important role in their evolution. Volvo Group Australia has had medium-duty battery electric trucks operating successfully in Australia since mid-2021. The agreement to trial heavy-duty BEVs in Queensland represents the next step in the electrification of road transport in Australia with the trial 3-axle prime mover operating at a gross weight of 44,000 kg.

The vehicle will have the latest heavy vehicle safety features such as lane keeping assist, blind spot detection, passenger corner camera, dynamic steering with stability assist, underrun protection, collision warning with emergency brake and electronically controlled brake systems.

Electric trucks are gaining popularity with Australian business owners and are an important step towards a zero emissions future. Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the introduction of battery electric heavy vehicles provides opportunities to also bring vehicles with the latest safety technology features and emissions performance to Australia.

Volvo Group Australia has produced more than 75,000 trucks at its Brisbane manufacturing plants since 1972. The Wacol production facility produces both Volvo and Mack trucks, employing over 800 people and a dedicated team of 60 engineers. Volvo Group Australia supports over 100 local suppliers, injecting over $600 million into the local economy annually.

“I am excited to see Volvo bringing the latest zero-emission technology trucks to Queensland. We know reducing transport emissions will play a key role in achieving net zero emissions in Queensland by 2050, and this trial is an important step towards that. My department has worked closely with Volvo Group Australia to facilitate access arrangements and permits for the electric trucks being tested,” Bailey said.

Bailey added that the information available from trials like this will help ensure mass and dimension issues with the take-up of battery electric heavy vehicles are managed in a sustainable way to benefit all Queenslanders.

Image credit: Queensland Government