Victora Bitter gets electrified

Big cold beer from the famous Victoria Bitter brand will now be delivered in a more environmentally friendly fashion in Melbourne, thanks to the use of a zero-emissions Volvo FL Electric truck.

The Volvo FL Electric, which is one of 50 delivered globally to date, is being operated by logistics company Linfox. It will transport more than 100,000 cans and stubbies each week, from a distribution centre in Melbourne’s west, to outlets across the city.

The truck will also be charged using 100 per cent offset solar power drawn from a solar farm operated by Asahi Beverage, the parent company of Victoria Bitter-producing Carlton & United Breweries.  

Robert Iervasi, group CEO of Asahi Beverages, said: “Linfox has delivered Victoria Bitter for more than 50 years. It’s fitting these two Australian icons are taking this major step towards a sustainable future together.

“Transitioning our deliveries to electric vehicles will help us achieve our ambitious sustainability goals of reducing our net carbon emissions across our entire supply chain by 30 per cent by 2030 and to zero by 2050.”

The 4×2 Volvo FL Electric, which has a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of up to 16.7 tonnes, features an electric motor that produces 200kW and 425Nm. Power comes from a 600V 200kWh battery pack which, according to Linfox, grants a range of some 250km. 

“Australia’s domestic freight task has doubled in the past decade and will continue to grow,” said Peter Fox, executive chairman of Linfox. “To meet this demand, Australia’s road fleet will also grow and it is essential the fleet does this safely, efficiently and with reduced environmental impact.”