The first Volvo FH Electric sold in Australia has been delivered to Brisbane-based Followmont Transport.

The FH Electric prime mover will be tasked with shuttling trailers between Followmont’s Eagle Farm depot, servicing major accounts around Brisbane and running overnight Linehaul to the company’s Sunshine Coast depots.

The 540kWH, 666hp FH Electric prime mover is currently rated to 44 tonnes and has a range of up to 300km on a single charge. A 60kW charger has been installed on site at Followmont head office for overnight charging, with plans to install charging solutions further afield as the company seeks to increase reach and range.

The delivery coincides with the announcement of a zero-emissions heavy vehicle road network for South East Queensland, which will increase steer axle mass allowances to eight tonnes on the steer axle and 18.5 tonnes on the drive axles for battery electric heavy vehicles. The move is a vital step to enable the roll out of heavy BEV transport.

“This truck is proof that there are plenty of transport applications that can be electrified right now, not at some distant point in the future,” said Martin Merrick, president and CEO, Volvo Group Australia.

“Having partners like Followmont who are committed to joining us on our path to net zero is vital for us.

“The announcement from the Queensland government that axle mass weights will be raised for zero-emission heavy vehicles in South East Queensland will make the move to battery electric a smoother transition for transport customers,” he said.

The Volvo FH Electric was launched in Australia in 2023. Every diesel truck in the Volvo range has an electric equivalent.

“We are thrilled to integrate electric trucks into our fleet, advancing our sustainability objectives and pioneering greener logistics solutions and are excited to receive the news that our road network is expanding to make the adoption of EV trucks easier,” said Mark Tobin, managing director Followmont Transport.”

“The investment in this truck reinforces our commitment to driving positive change and supporting a sustainable future for generations to come,” he said.

As these electric trucks enter service, the company intends to showcase the vehicles to its key partners, providing customers and staff with firsthand electromobility experience.

In the near future, the company has also signaled its intention to invest in electric vehicle competencies for staff providing in-house expertise for emerging technology.