Followmont takes keys to first electric prime mover in Australia

Alongside the zero-emission FH prime mover was a smaller FL Electric, also being handed over to the team at Followmont Transport, with both trucks set to get straight to work hauling freight around Brisbane.

The zero-emission trucks formed the entrance to the event, only a few kilometres from Followmont’s depot in Eagle Farm, where government officials, Volvo Group Australia executives and the Followmont team - family and all - came together to celebrate.

This FH Electric, we were told by a Volvo Trucks official, was on a boat just two weeks ago and yet, there it stood with the iconic Followmont livery and on-point ‘powering the future’ tagline brandishing the side panels where the diesel fuel tanks would otherwise sit.

The FH Electric is a 666hp all-electric prime mover rated to 44 tonnes, with a 540KwH battery that allows a range of up to 300 kilometres before needing to be recharged. A 60kW charger installed at Followmont Transport’s Eagle Farm site will be used to charge the truck between runs.

“We will put the FL straight to use in Brisbane servicing the northern suburbs, but longer term we want to test them in all areas, even moving into regional areas, and the prime mover will be used in metropolitan Brisbane with a single trailer,” said Followmont Transport chief operating officer, Ross Longmire.

Other big news, shared quietly amongst the inner circle of transport big hitters in attendance, as the keys to the new trucks changed hands, was that the government was set to announce a long-awaited change to axle weights for battery-electric trucks.

Axle weights have been a limiting factor in the adoption of zero-emission trucks and despite government approval for an initial trial, which proved successful, the rules still stood. That is, until Volvo Trucks lobbied, alongside various industry bodies, to overturn the laws that were ultimately slowing progress.

The change to axle weight rules, officially announced Friday, March 8, permits battery-electric trucks to operate with a front axle weight of up to 8.0-tonnes, a momentous achievement for the transport industry and one that was celebrated quietly on the night.

Volvo Group Australia chief executive Martin Merrick addressed the crowd, the excitement evident in his voice, as he handed over the keys to Australia’s first all-electric prime mover.

“What we’re seeing today is a major step on our journey towards fossil-free transport solutions by 2040,” Mr Merrick said.

“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.

“We are committed, we walk the talk, and we put our money where our mouth is,” he said.

When Mr Tobin took the stage he spoke of a greener future for his relatives watching on, talking of wanting to “be the first, not the last” to adopt fossil-free transport solutions.

“We’ve got to think about sustainability and we’ve got to take it seriously,” Mr Tobin said.

“I’ve got two beautiful girls and they’re going to have kids, then they will also have kids, and I think we all have to think about that.

“It’s about creating a better future for the next generation.”

Mr Tobin joked of buying the truck on a stubby cooler, reminiscing on a business deal made over a dinner back in 2022. Laughs from Mr Merrick suggested the story checks out, with Volvo Trucks stepping up to the plate to make the bold ambition a reality some two years later.

Speaking to trucksales after the handover, Mr Tobin reiterated what he has said on stage, urging other companies to consider electric trucks if they plan on remaining successful into the future.

“If anybody has a fleet, and a large fleet, you need to take this seriously because you won’t be here in the future if you don’t,” he said.

“It’s a journey, but it doesn’t matter what industry because if you’re committed to sustainability and legacy of the next generation you need to make a commitment.”

Mr Tobin made it clear he plans to use the electric Volvos for serious freight duties, not only around Brisbane but in regional areas too.

“We got a huge tick today with getting those axle weights changed, but hopefully we can continue down that path and get them as B-doubles at 60 tonnes,” he said.

“It’s a starting point but we have to keep working hard at it to make sure it works.”

While electric Volvo trucks have been put to work in Sweden for many years, Australia was a tougher market to crack and it wasn’t due to a lack of interest.

Despite the recent changes to axle weight limits, permitting heavy-duty electric trucks to operate in Queensland, Mr Merrick says it’s time to think about other ways to support customers looking to make the switch to electric power.

“Of course the legislation is one thing, and it’s great we’ve had the legislation change, but what we’ve got to think about next is some form of concession to support all levels and all customers and transport companies,” Mr Merrick said.

Mr Merrick believes the solution lies in partnerships, as manufacturers, transport operators and governments work together to support the transition to fossil-free transport.

“We have the solution here, but at the same time partnership is the new leadership, we can’t do it on our own and Followmont can’t do it on their own, and all these other companies can’t do it on their own,” he said.

“Working together with the governments involved, I'm sure we can find a solution that can accelerate the transition towards fossil-free transport solutions and address, what I've got to say, is a low hanging fruit.”

Unsurprisingly, Mr Tobin echoed these sentiments suggesting better support would help large and small operators alike who are ultimately investing heavily in this technology and the supporting infrastructure required to operate it.

“We probably do need more support, but we’ve got to put in [the work] ourselves and paint a picture to get that to happen,” he said.

“This is a journey and we’ve all got to be committed to it, but I think we’ve got a long way to go.”