Toll is trialling the first fully electric yard tractor in Australia capable of 24-hour continuous operation, at the Coles Truganina distribution centre, in Melbourne’s west. The ATM 38T Gaussin yard tractor from Nexport delivers zero emissions technology and supersedes models historically powered by diesel fuel.
The yard tractor features a Gaussin battery swap-out system that tackles the battery range challenges faced with traditional fixed battery systems. A drained power pack can be replaced with a fully charged battery in just a few minutes, eliminating vehicle downtime during charging. The batteries are recharged through 100% renewable electricity sourced from the distribution centre.
In addition to the sustainability benefits, the vehicle has improved safety features, including automatic speed reduction for better vehicle stability and handling.
Toll Executive General Manager Retail, Consumer & Automotive, Mr Nick Vrckovski, said Toll was pleased to partner with Coles and Nexport to trial the zero-emissions yard tractor, which forms part of Toll’s broader sustainability strategy.
“Increasingly, our customers are looking to us to provide sustainable solutions. The trial of the electric yard tractor is part of Toll’s broader strategy to reduce emissions and deliver the same service with lower emissions.
“Toll has made significant investments in energy-efficient facilities and fleet, including hydrogen, battery electric, and hybrid trucks vehicles.We have committed to achieving a 100% battery-electric forklift fleet by 2025. We continue investigating alternate energy opportunities to find operationally viable solutions to assist us on our journey to net zero,” said Mr Vrckovski.
Coles Head of Transport Safety & Sustainability – Supply Chain, Mr David Clark said the zero-emissions yard tractor trial was a significant step in Coles’ Together to Zero Sustainability strategy, and further demonstrates how the organisation can work with transport partners to reduce our operational emissions.
“Coles is proud to be partnering with Toll to trial one of the first electric yard tractors in Australia. It’s another excellent example of the innovative measures Coles is implementing in order to reduce emissions and achieve our sustainability ambitions,” said Mr Clark.
Mr Dan Porter, Chief Commercial Officer at Nexport, said “we are proud to partner with Toll and Coles in this first-of-its-kind trial in Australia. We share a common vision for zero-emission transportation and are dedicated to helping government and industry traverse the journey to zero emissions.
“Nexport’s 100% electric yard tractor from Gaussin will be instrumental in supporting Toll’s and Coles’ commitment to environmental sustainability. Our electric yard tractors are designed for Australian conditions, focusing on safety first, improved, and quieter working conditions, and industry-exclusive ergonomics that create a better operator experience.
“Our partnership with Gaussin provides the basis of these solutions for logistics hubs, seaports, and airports utilising manual and autonomous technologies coupled with Nexport's deep operational knowledge and infrastructure. Due to our strong belief in local manufacturing the yard tractors are assembled in our factory in Western Sydney.
“We commend Toll and Coles for leading the way and their commitment to a sustainable and better future for customers and suppliers,” said Mr Porter.
Toll continues working with innovators of emerging technologies to identify opportunities and test them in real-world operational environments. In October 2022, the company opened the Toll Innovation Centre in Singapore, a S$20 million investment that brings together businesses, leading startups, and academia to foster collaboration and innovation in supply chain.
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About Toll Group
At Toll, we do more than just logistics - we move the businesses that move the world. Our 16,000+ team members can help solve any logistics, transport or supply chain challenge – big or small. We have been supporting our customers for more than 130 years. Today, we support more than 20,000 customers worldwide with 500 sites in 26 countries, and a forwarding network spanning 150 countries. We are proudly part of Japan Post — www.tollgroup.com.
About Coles Australia
For more than 100 years Coles (ASX:COL) has been dedicated to delivering quality, value and service to Australian families. Coles Group is a leading Australian retailer with more than 2,400 stores, employing over 120,000 people across our supermarkets, liquor stores, convenience outlets and also offering Coles Online shopping and financial services. We process more than 21 million customer transactions each week, providing our customers with products from thousands of Australian farmers and suppliers. Coles has an ambition to become Australia’s most sustainable supermarket and we are passionate about supporting the communities we serve through partnerships, sponsorships and fundraising. To learn more about Coles Group visit www.colesgroup.com.au.
About Nexport
Nexport accelerates the transition to zero emissions transport by working with operators and industry to understand operational needs and jointly build solutions to meet the requirements for infrastructure applications and vehicles.
We offer end-to-end zero emissions transport solutions via our Zero as a Platform (ZaaP). As a systems integrator, we enable you to transition to a cleaner, better, cheaper transport future. By partnering with us, we bring deep expertise, commitment, capabilities, and an extensive network of partners and suppliers to turn your ideas into tangible actions that directly impact your business operations and the environment.
Our mission is to create a more liveable environment for people and the planet. Australian-owned, with solutions designed and tailored for the local market, we focus on creating jobs, boosting the economy, and leading the way to a better world for today and future generations.