Volvo to manufacture heavy-duty electric trucks in Australia

Volvo Group Australia will start manufacturing heavy-duty electric trucks at its facility in Brisbane next year. It will be the first time that Volvo has made these vehicles in Australia.

Ten of the Australian-made trucks will be provided to Linfox. The leading logistics and transport company has ordered 30 vehicles – Australia’s largest-ever order for heavy duty electric trucks. Linfox successfully trialled 2 Volvo electric trucks in 2021, expanding to 4 in 2023.

Martin Lundstedt, President and CEO of Volvo Group, says Volvo’s decision signifies the dawn of a new era for Australian manufacturing.

‘This landmark order from Linfox, coupled with our commitment to build a third of these electric vehicles right here in Australia, demonstrates our confidence in the local industry’s potential to lead the way in sustainable heavy transport, perfectly suited to Australia’s demanding distances and conditions.’

Martin Merrick, President of Volvo Group Australia, adds: ‘We are dedicated to establishing a thriving electric truck manufacturing industry that will create skilled jobs, drive innovation, and accelerate the uptake of zero-emission transport solutions across the Australian road transport sector.’

Linfox plans to roll out 26 Volvo electric vehicles over the next 3 years to advance the development of a zero-emissions freight and logistics supply chain in Australia.

Volvo will manufacture heavy-duty electric trucks in Australia, including for Australian logistics and transport company Linfox.

Support for heavy-duty electric vehicle innovation and deployment

Australia is aiming to decarbonise its transport network by switching to cleaner fuel and transport. The Australian Government’s Driving the Nation Fund provides A$500 million to invest in cleaner and cheaper transport.

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency administers the Driving the Nation program. Under the program, ARENA has allocated A$100 million to the Trucks, Charging and Innovation focus area. The program is open for applications for projects that demonstrate and deploy heavy vehicles, charging solutions and other innovation supporting the uptake of battery electric vehicles.

How Austrade helped

Austrade has been supporting Volvo Group for several years. This includes facilitating discussions with authorities and other key government contacts around policy amendments necessary to make EV truck take-up a reality in Australia.

Find out more about opportunities in Australia’s future transport sector.