Electric trucks: A driver’s view

Rob Smith has been driving trucks for Linfox for over 17 years and currently operates out of the BevChain Distribution Centre in Melbourne’s outer west.

The Volvo FL Electric he drives operates across a variety of routes across the city delivering beer to pubs, restaurants and bottle shops on a daily basis. As a driver, Smith says he enjoys his days behind the wheel of the electric Volvo as well as the job at hand: “I love the freedom of the job, and meeting people,” says Smith.

“The truck itself is actually quite peaceful to drive, in some ways it’s just like any other truck but in others it’s smoother, quieter, it’s enjoyable.”

“When I hop out of the truck, I don’t hear engine noise and I don’t have the fumes, none of that.”

The truck however, certainly attracts its fair share of attention. “You get a lot more eye contact on the road as people look at it,” Smith continues. “It’s great, I get a lot of questions.

“Everyone wants to know where the batteries are, people are very interested in the lack of noise and how far it goes, is it good to drive, things like that.”

“This truck’s doing well – it’s doing the job of a diesel truck. Trucks like this one are the future.”

“You can’t get a much better voice of authority than the end user of the product,” says Paul Illmer, Volvo Group Australia’s Vice President, Emerging Technologies.

“We can continue to point out the real-world benefits of zero emissions vehicles, but it’s ultimately the people that interact with this vehicle on a daily basis that will help educate others to their advantages.”

“A smooth drivetrain, lack of fumes and noise create a calmer work environment,” he continues. “But it’s also the flow-on benefits to society as a whole that will drive towards a future of cleaner, quieter cities.”

“This truck represents the thin end of the wedge on our zero emissions journey in Australia, and that journey is accelerating faster than many can imagine.”

Related reading:
Linfox gets its second electric truck
Volvo launches longer-range electric truck
Electric agitators to hit the road

Executive Chairman Linfox Pty Ltd, Peter Fox had the final word: “Linfox is thrilled to see this new electric vehicle inspiring positive conversations as we lead the way in sustainable transport,” he said.

“The benefits are coming to life right throughout our community,” Mr Fox added.

“Our skilled drivers are at the wheel of a new age; our customers are enjoying more sustainable logistics solutions and people on our streets are starting to see the everyday benefits of zero emission vehicles.”